As the weather begins to get colder, now that fall is officially here, we're all getting ready for the inevitable winter and frigid temperatures that are approaching fast.

While there are fewer newcomers arriving in Moose Jaw this year than years past, the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council will still be holding their annual Winter Safety Orientation in the coming weeks preparing those who are new to Canada for what to expect.

Community Connections Coordinator, Tyler Bastedo.

"Our settlement team offers an annual Winter Safety Orientation covering common concerns and important information on things like frostbite, appropriate winter clothing, icy road conditions, anything that might be of concern to newcomers experiencing their first winter."

Most of us who have grown up in Canada, especially the prairies, are used to the large amount of snow that can fall, the slick roads, and freezing wind. But if you're from a country with a much warmer climate, it can be a bit of a shock.

"Especially those that come from a place that doesn't have a winter as severe as Canada." says Bastedo, "A lot of the time it's the first time they experience snow or sub-zero temperatures. For us Canadians who have grown up for it, we know how to prevent frostbite, but they aren't prepared for the difficulties that winter brings. So, we try to get ahead of it, but not too ahead of it that the information might be forgotten."

The Multicultural Council is planning on holding the orientation at the end of October, or early November.