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The Saskatchewan Coroner Services says it is investigating 13 deaths related to cold exposure since Nov. 1 after a bitterly cold winter.
That number could change pending investigations, as the coroner service stressed that none of the cases has been closed.
Based on preliminary data gathered, reported deaths from hypothermia or exposure were the cause of 14 deaths in 2017-18, with 16 deaths the year before.
Marc Cheriyan, director of residential services for The Salvation Army Saskatoon, isn’t surprised by the number of cold-related deaths.
“It certainly wouldn’t shock me,” he said when told of the ongoing investigations. “We were running at over 110-per-cent occupancy in our buildings.
“There’s such needs in the community that it’s hard to maintain them all.”
Cheriyan sees how the cold affects Saskatoon’s at-risk population, and he notices how extended cold snaps wear on the residents.
“There’s nowhere for these guys to go, either,” he said. “They’re kind of stuck indoors just like how kids are stuck indoors and don’t want to go outside for recess.
“There’s less opportunity for them to go anywhere because they don’t have the means to go anywhere.”
Cheriyan said The Salvation Army does everything it can to help, but limited space and overcapacity usage can create a hectic environment.
“There’s no independent time or time alone, which a lot of the guys covet,” he said. “It’s difficult for them then to be in this group situation.”
Saskatchewan had 20 exposure deaths in 2012-13, with a 10-year high of 23 deaths in 2010-11.
Drugs and alcohol were a contributing factor in a majority of the deaths dating back to 2007-08.
Five of the 13 deaths this winter show no indication of drugs or alcohol. The coroner service is still awaiting toxicology reports on the remaining eight.
The preliminary reports also show a clear divide between urban and rural populations. Five deaths this winter were in urban centres and eight were in rural areas.
In 2016-17, 11 deaths were in urban centres compared to just five rural deaths.
Dating back to 2007-08, there were seven years where at least half of the deaths were listed as rural.
Cheriyan notes that many of his residents are savvy when it comes to staying out of the cold and finding a warm place to stay, but that isn’t always the case.
“When it’s minus-40 (Celsius) outside, there’s not enough amount of toques that are going to help you survive a long period of time,” he said.