According to the forecast, winter weather is on its way this weekend. As we get our shovels ready, it is important to remember that not every resident is familiar with cold and snow.
Fortunately, the Newcomer Welcome Centre in Moose Jaw offers plenty of tips for navigating the chilly Saskatchewan winter, so new residents can better prepare for the season.
Settlement workers from the Moose Jaw Multicultural Centre have put together a short video with some helpful details people need to outfit themselves properly.
The video began with a list of appropriate winter clothing, which is the first line of defence against cold weather.
It’s important to cover all the important extremities, including a toque covering the ears, gloves or mittens for the hands, thick socks for the feet and a scarf to protect the face and neck. Next on the shopping list should be a sturdy pair of boots with non-slip tread, a lined jacket large enough to wear layers underneath, and a pair of insulated snow pants.
When purchasing winter clothing, it's important to look for some key characteristics. Items that are insulated or thermal are best, and a lining of fleece will help trap warmth inside. Waterproof clothing is also useful, as once mittens or other fabric items are wet and exposed to the cold, they are no longer protective.
Preparing appropriately for the cold is extremely important, as temperatures in Saskatchewan can dip low enough to cause serious injuries like hypothermia, frostbite, and even dehydration.
But once residents are prepared and safely dressed, there’s plenty of fun to be had during the winter.
Moose Jaw offers lots of activities once the snow hits the ground, including outdoor ice skating at neighbourhood rinks or at the oval in Wakamow Valley, tobogganing, curling at Mosaic Place, or even cross-country skiing in the river valley.
The trails at Buffalo Pound are also good for winter hikes and the lake is a good place to try ice fishing.
The Newcomer Centre encourages new residents to reach out for more advice on navigating winter weather or information on how to get involved in some winter activities. It is also a helpful resource for new residents looking for help with housing, employment and other questions and concerns about joining the community.
The centre is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at 1 (306) 692-6892 or at [email protected].
