Staying Safe in Hot Weather

Prolonged or extreme heat can affect your health in different ways, including heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms of heat illness can range from mild to severe. To help ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents, the City of Toronto activates a Heat Relief Strategy from May 15 to September 30.

What is a Heat Warning and how does the City respond to them?  

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issues Heat Warnings when forecasted daytime highs are ≥31°C and overnight lows are ≥20°C, or the Humidex is ≥40. Warnings are typically issued the afternoon before impacts are expected and remain in effect until terminated by ECCC. 

When a Heat Warning is issued, the City activates enhanced heat relief measures, including:

  • Expanding public communications and media updates 
  • Extending hours at select public facilities 
  • Enhancing street outreach and shelter supports 
  • Offering drinking water resources in priority locations 

What can I do when there is a Heat Warning?  

Spending time in a cool space is one of the most effective ways to protect your health during heat waves. A key component of the City’s strategy is the Heat Relief Network, also known as Cool Spaces Near You, with more than 500 publicly accessible locations across Toronto, including libraries, community centres, civic centres, senior centres and pools. Residents can find nearby locations using the Cool Spaces Near You map at toronto.ca/heat or by contacting 311. 

How can residents stay safe and cool when there is poor air quality? 

Following poor air quality during the 2023 wildfire season, the City piloted Cleaner Air Spaces. These spaces are equipped with high-efficiency filtration (MERV-13 rating or higher) and are air-conditioned. Residents can access these Cleaner Air Spaces – located at Toronto City Hall, Metro Hall, North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, York Civic Centre and East York Civic Centre – to seek relief during wildfire smoke events during the summer. 

Find ways to keep cool at toronto.ca/heat

Latest posts

It has been a tremendously busy summer! Between Pride and FIFA on one end, the final Toronto and East York Community Council and City Council of the term later this month on the other, and the ongoing Church Street Pedestrianization Pilot, my team and I have been working hard to continue delivering results. Despite the stress, despite the heat, and especially despite the province’s ongoing work to make the City of Toronto miserable, for this final proper Councillor Update of the term, I want to provide positive vibes only.

The celebration on Church Street continues! The Church Street Pedestrianization has officially launched, with the Church-Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) and my team installed patios and more seating on Church Street post-Pride to make it an even better place to visit. The pedestrianization lasts until August 21, so come on out and experience The Village like never before, enjoy the beautiful weather, and help me advocate for more pedestrianization across the City and to make this pilot permanent!

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