Mayor John Tory says a review of Toronto's extreme cold weather alert system is needed.

Toronto remains under an extreme cold warning, as the temperature with the wind chill is expected to drop to a low of -30 C later this evening.

Earlier Wednesday, the City of Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health issued an extreme cold weather alert. Dr. David McKeown warned residents may be at risk of hypothermia, frostnip and frostbite.

The warning comes a day after Tory asked the city to open its warming centres following the recent deaths of two homeless men.

Police say one man was found in a delivery truck parked in the city’s west end Monday. The other was found unconscious in a TTC shelter on the southwest corner of Yonge and Dundas Streets early Tuesday morning. He was later pronounced dead.

In response to their deaths, members of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty staged a protest at City Hall on Tuesday, calling for the mayor to activate homeless services typically initiated during extreme cold weather alerts.

Tory later asked the city that warming shelters open their doors, even though an extreme cold weather alert had not been issued at that time.

"I knew it was damn cold out there with the wind chill, one of the bitterest days we’ve had in a long time, and that the right thing to do is open those shelters," Tory said Wednesday.

He said it was also time for the city to review its criteria for issuing extreme cold weather alerts.

"I think we should be more proactive about this and take a look at the policies and protocols to make sure it allows the Chief Medical Officer of Health to be as proactive as possible in protecting those who are vulnerable."

Warming centres typically only open when the city is under an extreme cold weather alert, issued when the mercury dips below -15 C overnight. Alerts can also be called when Environment Canada’s forecast includes factors, such as wind chill and precipitation, may increase the impact of the weather on health.

Deep freeze expected to continue this evening

As of 5 p.m., Environment Canada says the temperature was -17 C, but with the wind chill it felt more like -28 C.

As the cold weather settles in, Environment Canada is warning that some are more at risk than others. The weather agency advises that residents of the area check on their loved ones. People who are homeless, work outside or have medical conditions are particularly at risk, as are infants and seniors.

Toronto residents are also asked to call 911 immediately if they see anyone in need of medical assistance. If someone on the street needs outreach assistance, residents can call 311 for more information on shelters and warming centres.

The following warming centres are open to the public:

  • Margaret's Toronto East Drop-in at 323 Dundas St. E. (just east of Sherbourne Street) - Pets welcome.
  • St. Felix Social Ministries Outreach at 25 Augusta Ave. (near Queen Street and Spadina Avenue) - Pets welcome

McKeown offers the following tips to stay warm:

  • Dress in layers, making sure all skin is covered and the outer layer is windproof
  • Wear a hat, mittens or gloves and boots
  • Stay dry
  • Choose wool or synthetic fabrics instead of cotton
  • Avoid long periods outside
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Reschedule outdoor activities
  • Heat your home to at least 21 C if babies or elderly people are present

With a report from CTV Toronto's Natalie Johnson