Modified Heat Relief Network in place for Heat Warning starting today

The City of Toronto’s modified Heat Relief Network is in place starting today for the Heat Warning. It now features a wide array of cool spaces that are open during and beyond Heat Warnings and others open only during Heat Warnings. It includes pools, wading pools, splash pads, community centres and, during Heat Warnings, four emergency cooling centres (ECCs) for the public. (File photo: Warren Wong/Unsplash)

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has declared a Heat Warning for Toronto starting today through to tomorrow, with a possible extension to Tuesday, August 11.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a Heat Warning when it forecasts two or more consecutive days with daytime maximum temperatures of 31°C or warmer, together with minimum nighttime temperatures of 20°C or warmer, or when there is a forecast of two or more consecutive days with humidex values expected to reach 40 or higher.

Extreme heat is associated with negative health impacts ranging from heat stress to heat stroke and death. During periods of hot weather, the safety of all residents is the priority.

The City of Toronto’s modified Heat Relief Network is in place starting today for the Heat Warning. It now features a wide array of cool spaces that are open during and beyond Heat Warnings and others open only during Heat Warnings. It includes pools, wading pools, splash pads, community centres and, during Heat Warnings, four emergency cooling centres (ECCs) for the public.

The network now includes:

• 47 community centres and pools that have space, including lobby space and seating, for residents to use for indoor cooling
  • 16 are open seven days a week (weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • 31 are open on weekdays (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• More than 300 aquatic amenities including the City’s 140 splash pads, 100 wading pools, 56 outdoor swimming pools and 29 indoor pools. Select outdoor swimming pools will be open until 11:45 p.m. this evening, as part of extended hours programming. For up-to-date information on locations and regular operating hours, call 311 or visit https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/swimming-splash-pads/ .
• For the duration of the Heat Warning starting today, the following three ECCs will available for those who do not have access to a cool space and cannot keep cool in their home or outdoors:
  • Metro Hall, 55 John St.
  • Malvern Recreation Centre, 30 Sewells Rd.
  • Masaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre, 220 Cowan Ave.

The three ECCs will open today at 1 p.m. Metro Hall will be open 24 hours, while the remaining two will close at 7 p.m. today.

Tomorrow, an additional ECC at Mimico-Coronation Club, 10 Judson St., will be available to the public for the duration of the Heat Warning.

Three ECCs will open tomorrow at 11 a.m., while the fourth, Metro Hall, will remain open overnight and for the duration of the Heat Warning.

ECC locations offer a publicly accessible, air-conditioned place to rest indoors and receive a cool drink. Staff who are trained to assist residents affected by the extreme heat are on hand. Strict infection prevention and control measures are in place.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the City is adapting its approach to provide as much access to heat relief as possible and to reflect the advice and direction from Toronto Public Health, as well as the provincial and federal governments. Additional cool spaces will be added to the Network, as they become available. As more Heat Relief Network spaces open to the public, the ECC program may be further amended or withdrawn.

In 2019, the City adopted the approach to mitigating heat through the Heat Relief Network. Residents were able to access approximately 300 cool, public spaces throughout the summer season including libraries, community centres, shelters, drop-ins, 24-hour respite sites, several private and non-profit organizations including some shopping malls and YMCA locations, as well as pools, wading pools and splash pads. At the start of this year’s hot weather season, the City had to modify its approach to heat relief because the network sites were closed due to COVID-19.

An interactive map is available to help those who need to access a cool space find a location near them.

It is mandatory for the public to wear masks or face coverings, with some exceptions, in all indoor public spaces, including ECCs. A mask will be provided at ECCs to those without a mask who want to enter.

The City’s updated 2020 Heat Relief Strategy reflects the current public health advice related to COVID-19, with guidance for safely operating apartment building cooling rooms and other tips for apartment building landlords and tenants. More information for landlords is available.

Community agencies are encouraged to educate clients on the risks of heat-related illness and to call, text or video chat with those clients who are at increased risk of heat-related illness during Heat Warnings. The City has prepared guidance for community agencies, places of worship, and other organizations interested in opening their own cool spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions  about Community-run Cooling Rooms is available.

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter , Instagram or Facebook .