Goldstein and Côte‑St‑Luc residents forced to seek shelter amid power outage as temperatures drop below –20

power Outages Leave Residents Seeking Shelter Amidst Frigid Temperatures

A widespread power outage has left residents scrambling for warmth and shelter as temperatures plummeted below -20 degrees Celsius, creating hazardous conditions throughout the region. The situation,unfolding over the weekend and continuing into Monday,has forced many to seek temporary housing with family,friends,or in local hotels.

Seeking Refuge From The Cold

One resident, identified only as Goldstein, described a desperate search for warmth after her home became uninhabitable due to the intense cold.She spent Saturday night with her daughter in Île Perrot, and subsequently checked into a hotel Sunday evening, finding herself among numerous others displaced by the outage. According to reports, the hotel was nearing capacity, with many residents of Côte-St-Luc seeking refuge within its walls.

Despite assurances from Hydro, the local power utility, that electricity restoration was imminent as early as Saturday, Goldstein remained without power as of Monday afternoon. She is now planning to spend Monday night at a friend’s home, anticipating further delays in service restoration. This situation highlights the vulnerability of communities facing extreme weather events and the challenges of relying on timely utility responses.

The Impact of Prolonged outages

Prolonged power outages present a myriad of risks, beyond just discomfort. According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning are significant threats during winter outages. The CDC recommends having a backup heat source and carbon monoxide detectors in place, precautions many residents may not have readily available.

The economic impact of thes outages can also be considerable. Businesses are forced to close, leading to lost revenue, and perishable goods can spoil, causing financial hardship for both consumers and businesses. A Department of Energy report emphasizes the importance of grid resilience and preparedness for extreme weather events to mitigate these impacts.

Outage Duration	Potential Risks	Recommended Action
Less than 24 hours	Food spoilage, minor discomfort	Use coolers, dress warmly
24-72 hours	Hypothermia risk, increased reliance on alternative heating	Seek shelter, use alternative heating safely (with CO detectors)
Over 72 hours	Significant health and safety risks, widespread disruption	Evacuate if necessary, monitor authorities for updates

The current situation underscores the importance of emergency preparedness. According to FEMA, having a well-stocked emergency kit with essential supplies like non-perishable food, water, and a first-aid kit can considerably improve a household’s ability to cope with prolonged outages. FEMA’s preparedness guidelines are a valuable resource for all communities.

As residents brace for another night potentially without power, questions arise about the adequacy of infrastructure and the responsiveness of utility companies. have you or your neighbors been affected by these outages? What measures are you taking to stay safe and warm during this extreme weather?

Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.

How long is the power expected to be out in Goldstein and Côte‑st‑luc during the current outage?

Goldstein and Côte‑St‑Luc Power Outage: Residents Seek Shelter from Extreme Cold

As of late January 27th, 2026, residents in the Goldstein and Côte‑St‑Luc areas of Montreal are facing a critical situation following a widespread power outage. With temperatures plummeting below –20°C (-4°F), hundreds have been forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in emergency warming shelters. Hydro-Québec is currently working to restore power, but an estimated time of restoration remains uncertain.

Current Situation & Affected Areas

The outage, which began approximately 8 hours ago, impacts a significant portion of both neighbourhoods.Initial reports suggest the issue stems from a major equipment failure at a key substation serving the area. While the exact cause is still under investigation, the extreme cold is likely exacerbating the problem and hindering repair efforts.

Specifically affected areas include:

* Côte‑St‑Luc: Primarily the eastern sections bordering NDG and Hampstead.

* Goldstein: The entire residential zone, including apartment buildings and single-family homes.

* Partial outages: Scattered reports of intermittent power loss in adjacent areas like Snowdon and Mount Royal.

Emergency Shelters & Resources

the City of Côte‑St‑Luc and local authorities have opened several emergency warming shelters to accommodate displaced residents. These shelters provide a safe, heated surroundings, along with basic necessities like blankets, water, and limited food supplies.

* Côte-St-Luc Community Centre (5791 Parkhaven Ave): Open 24/7, offering full shelter services.

* Goldstein YM-YWHA (4501 Westmount Ave): Operating as a secondary shelter with capacity for approximately 150 individuals.

* Transportation Assistance: The city is providing free shuttle services from key locations within the affected areas to the shelters. Details are available on the Côte-St-Luc website and through the 311 service.

Residents requiring assistance, notably seniors or individuals with medical conditions, are urged to contact 911 or the city’s emergency hotline.

Safety Precautions During a Power Outage

Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. It’s crucial to take the following precautions:

1. Dress Warmly: Wear multiple layers of clothing, including hats, gloves, and scarves.
2. Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: Ensure elderly or disabled neighbours are safe and have access to shelter.
3. Avoid Using Open Flames: Candles and fireplaces pose a fire hazard, especially during a power outage. Use flashlights instead.
4. Conserve Phone Battery: Limit phone use to essential interaction to preserve battery life.
5. Carbon Monoxide Safety: Never use generators, propane heaters, or charcoal grills indoors.Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly.

Hydro-Québec Response & Restoration Efforts

Hydro-Québec crews are working diligently to identify and repair the fault. the company is providing updates through its website,mobile app,and social media channels.Though, the complexity of the repair, combined with the challenging weather conditions, is slowing progress.

A spokesperson for hydro-Québec stated that restoring power to all affected customers could take upwards of 24-48 hours, depending on the extent of the damage. They are prioritizing critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and emergency services.

Impact on Local Businesses & Services

The power outage is also impacting local businesses and services. Many stores and restaurants have been forced to close temporarily, and public transportation is experiencing disruptions. Residents are advised to check with individual businesses for updates on their operating status.

Past Context: Montreal Winter Storms & power Outages

Montreal has a history of experiencing severe winter storms and associated power outages. A particularly devastating ice storm in 1998 left millions without power for weeks, highlighting the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure to extreme weather events.Since then, Hydro-Québec has invested significantly in upgrading its grid and improving its emergency response capabilities. However, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change continues to pose a challenge. The 2007 North American ice storm also caused widespread outages, prompting further infrastructure improvements.

Resources for Information

* Hydro-Québec Outage Map: https://www.hydroquebec.com/residential/customer-space/outage-map

* City of Côte-St-luc: https://cotestluc.qc.ca/

* City of Montreal Emergency Services: Dial 311