While Montreal is being pelted with snow and frigid temperatures, city shelters are working to ensure those at most risk have a place to keep warm and sleep tonight.
The Old Brewery Mission has deployed its shuttle service to pick up homeless people stranded in the extreme cold conditions, and transport them to shelters in the area — including the new temporary shelter at the Old Royal Victoria hospital.
"It's a very busy shuttle," said Matthew Pearce, CEO of the Old Brewery Mission. "It goes through the streets of Montreal and tries to identify people who are struggling... we try to get them to stay warm."
Pearce said the new temporary shelter has helped efforts, "It's been a god-send," he said.
Montreal is expecting up to 25cm of snow, and extremely cold temperatures through the weekend.
"This is a killer cold, we have to make sure that all systems are a go, that all systems are deployed, and that no one is left out in the cold," Pearce said.
Meanwhile, Montreal police have been instructed to pick up homeless people they spot and transport them to shelters.
With files from CTV Montreal.