Arthur, Ont. restaurant stays open overnight to help those stranded by snowstorm

Weary travelers trapped by a snowstorm in southern Ontario found refuge in an unexpected place. CTV’s Heather Senoran explains.

A restaurant in the community of Arthur, Ont. kept its doors open overnight after Monday’s vicious snowstorm led to multiple road closures.

The owners of Erni’s Place said they wanted to help those left stranded.

“At least we are going to keep people warm,” explained Harry Gill. “Sometimes they have no food, and they run out of gas. And they cannot stay all night in the car. So, we tried to do the best we can.”

At least 30 people came by that needed help.

Harry and his wife Amanpreet cooked around 45 pizza slices that they handed out for free. They also provided drinks.

“We don’t mind,” Amanpreet said. “It’s a small town. We don’t have any hotels or anything like that.”

Some people slept on the chairs and benches in the restaurant as they waited for roads to reopen and it was safe to drive again.

The Gills did not rest as they were too busy helping others but hoped, they said laughing, to get a good night’s sleep on Tuesday.

Monday’s snowstorm was not the first time Erni’s Place became a gathering spot for those needing shelter.

“In December 2022, the same thing happened then too,” recalled Amanpreet. “Lots of people [were] stuck for three days.”

The couple said that is what small communities do.

“Everyone helps everyone,” explained Harry.