The City of Toronto activates Warming Centres when an Extreme Cold Weather Alert is issued by the City’s Medical Officer of Health based on a forecast from Environment and Climate Change Canada of -15° C or colder, or a wind chill of -20° C or colder. Warming Centres may also be activated at warmer temperatures if the forecast includes one or more factors that increase the impact of cold weather on health. Examples include wind chill, low daytime temperatures and precipitation.
Warming Centres open at 7 p.m. on the day that locations are activated and remain open 24 hours a day until it is determined that locations will close. Once a Warming Centre closes to new admissions, staff work to refer individuals who remain onsite to alternate spaces.
Warming Centres focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside. Facilities provide:
Individuals do not need to contact Central Intake to access a Warming Centre. Walk-ins are accepted. There are also a number of drop-in programs available throughout the city.
Information about the status of Warming Centres is shared with the homelessness service sector, and communicated on this webpage and the City’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Warming Centres are part of the City’s Winter Plan for people experiencing homelessness.
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Cecil Community Centre | Address: 58 Cecil St., Toronto , ON M5T 1N6 Operator: Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre Client group: mixed adult Capacity: 30 |
| Metro Hall | Address: 55 John St, Toronto, ON M5V 3C6 Operator: Fred Victor Client group: mixed adult Capacity: 45 |
| Willowdale Baptist Church | Address: 15 Olive Ave., Toronto, ON M2N 4N4 Operator: Dixon Hall Client group: mixed adult Capacity: 42 |
| Scarborough Civic Centre | Address: 150 Borough Dr., Toronto ON M1P 4N6 Operator: City of Toronto Client group: mixed adult Capacity: 17 *To access, use the Albert Campbell entrance off of Town Centre Court |