The forecast calls for temperatures as low as -25C this weekend, meaning homeless shelters will once again have to stretch their resources to the limit.

At the Welcome Hall Mission, it means even the cafeteria will turn into a large sleeping area and warm meals will be awaiting those in need.

“We won't refuse anyone coming through our doors and we will put mattresses down on the floor in every space available,” said Farell Duclair, director of the men’s mission.

The Old Brewery Mission is adopting the same method. Mattresses will be added in common spaces and no one will be turned away.

The mission is also working closely with other shelters, using its shuttle bus to carry people to other facilities including two so-called heat-spots run by the city. The administration was criticized for not opening them during the last cold spell in January.

The biggest difficulty faced by people who work with the homeless is the fact that many of them simply refuse any help, including the opportunity to sleep indoors during the coldest nights of winter. Social workers will be on the road to try to convince them to seek shelter.

“There are many street workers that are out there and encouraging people to go inside,” Duclair said. In extreme cases, police might be called in to rescue the most vulnerable.