Small towns housing stranded drivers

The wintery wonderland outside might be great for a picturesque views of what it is to be Canadian, but it can make travel a scary thought.

The town of Nanton, south of Calgary, is one of a few towns who have opened a reception centre in their community hall, providing food, water and a place to stay overnight if road weary travelers need it.

Chief Administrative Officer for Nanton, Brad Mason, says it’s important for the town to give back.

“It’s part of our emergency plan but it’s also just being hospitable and making sure everybody’s got a place to stay warm,” he says.

Mason adds, around 40 people had checked-in by about 5:00 p.m. Sunday with the number expected to rise.

Premier Alison Redford tweeted Sunday afternoon, thanking volunteers in Claresholm who opened the town’s curling rink and to the employees at Roy’s Place making stew for about 150 people.

Meanwhile, the town of Oyen has called a local state of emergency due to the nasty winter weather and poor road conditions.

The small community is located along Highway 9 near the Saskatchewan border.

Mayor Paul Christianson says they are setting up shelter for people in the Legion Hall as travel is not advised from the town of Hanna through the Saskatchewan border.

He says they ran into the same situation once last year so they have a good idea how to handle the situation.

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