City of Toronto rolls out Heat Relief Strategy to help residents stay safe this summer

Summers in Toronto are getting hotter and longer. Last year alone, the city experienced 29 days under Heat Warnings, nearly double the number seen the year before. 

With temperatures rising and extreme heat events become more frequent, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Michelle Murti, and the City’s Executive Director of Toronto Emergency Management, Joanna Beaven-Desjardins, announced that the City has activated its Heat Relief Strategy, offering advice and resources to help people stay cool, safe and healthy.

City activates Heat Relief strategy
The City’s Heat Relief Strategy is activated from May 15 to September 30, coordinating additional services and response efforts during extreme temperatures to help reduce health risks, especially for populations more vulnerable to hot weather.

Part of the Heat Relief Strategy includes 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, enhanced outreach to vulnerable residents and public education.

The City is also applying this framework to major events, including FIFA World Cup 2026™, to ensure consistent and co-ordinated responses.

Find a place to cool down
More than 500 Cool Spaces are available across Toronto all summer long that include 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
The City also continues to support people experiencing homelessness 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
Toronto Public Health warns that extreme heat can quickly lead to heat-related illness, including heat stroke, especially for older adults, young children, people with underlying health conditions and those who spend long periods outdoors.

Simple steps can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness:  

• Drink water regularly, even before feeling thirsty.  
• Wear light, loose clothing and wide-brimmed hats outdoors.    
• Limit time in the sun and plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day such as early morning or evening.  
• Keep indoor spaces cool by closing blinds or curtains during the day and limit the use of heat-generating appliances. 
• Promote air movement indoors with fans or a cross-breeze if air conditioning is not available. 
• Take cool showers or use wet towels to lower body temperature. 
• Never leave people or pets in parked vehicles, even for a short time.  
• Schedule regular check-ins or visits with family, friends or neighbours, especially if they have a health condition or are an older adult living alone.  

Symptoms of severe heat-related illness include dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion and fatigue, or loss of conscious. Call 911 if any of these symptoms appear.  

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, stay hydrated, check in on each other, and make use of available city programs and services during periods of extreme heat.

More information is available at www.toronto.ca/heat.    

 

Toronto is home to more than three 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 an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information, visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at www.x.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto.