Toronto/CMEDIA: With temperatures rising and increased frequency of extreme heat events, the City of Toronto reportedly has activated its Heat Relief Strategy, offering advice and resources to help people stay cool, safe and healthy.
The City’s Heat Relief strategy
Being activated from May 15 to Sept 30, the city of Toronto’s Heat Relief Strategy is coordinating additional services and response efforts during extreme temperatures to help reduce health risks, especially for populations more vulnerable to hot weather.
Included in the part of the Heat Relief Strategy are increased access to drinking water and cooling resources including air-conditioned buildings and extended hours at public pools called Cool Spaces, mobile water stations to get a drink and refill water bottles, water play amenities to cool off in, and enhanced outreach to vulnerable residents and public education.
Major events, including FIFA World Cup 2026™ are also applicable to the city’s framework of Heat Relief strategy to ensure consistent and coordinated responses.
Find a place to cool down
Toronto city offers over 500 Cool Spaces all summer long including libraries, community centres, civic centres, pools, splash pads, wading pools and other partner locations.
Find a location on the City’s Cool Spaces webpage: www.toronto.ca/CoolSpaces.
Plan ahead and check schedules for pools and splash pads on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/WaterPlay.
Supports for people experiencing homelessness
Supporting people experiencing homelessness, the City also continues with enhanced outreach, wellness checks and access to shelters, respite sites and Cool Spaces.
Shelters and 24-hour respite sites can be found on the City’s webpage: www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/homeless-help/.
During Heat Warnings, a 24-hour Cool Space is also available at 136 Spadina Rd. Residents can call 311 to request outreach support for someone in need.
Stay safe in the heat
Extreme heat can quickly lead to heat-related illness, warns Toronto Public Health, including heat stroke, especially for older adults, young children, people with underlying health conditions and those who spend long periods outdoors.
The risk of heat-related illness can be reduced by following simple steps:
- Water should be drunk regularly, even before feeling thirsty.
- Light, loose clothing and wide-brimmed hats should be worn outdoors.
- Time in the sun should be limited and outdoor activities should be planned during cooler parts of the day such as early morning or evening.
- Indoor spaces should be kept cool by closing blinds or curtains during the day and by limiting the use of heat-generating appliances.
- In the absence of air conditioning, air movement indoors should be promoted with fans or a cross-breeze.
- To lower body temperature, cool showers should be taken or use wet towels.
- People or pets should never be left in parked vehicles, even for a short time.
- Regular check-ins or visits with family, friends or neighbours should be scheduled, especially if they have a health condition or are an older adult living alone.
Dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion and fatigue, or loss of consciousness are included in the symptoms of severe heat-related illness.
Call 911 if any of these symptoms appear.
Available city programs and services during periods of extreme heat should be encouraged to plan ahead for residents and visitors and stay hydrated, check in on each other.
More information is available at www.toronto.ca/heat.
