City Update: Heat Warning In Effect

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has declared a Heat Warning for the City of Toronto today, Sunday, August 23, and tomorrow, Monday, August 24.The City of Toronto’s modified Heat Relief Network will be in place for the Heat Warning. It 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, Emergency Cooling Centres (ECCs) for the public.The network now includes:

• 72 Toronto Public Library branches that are open for Stage 3 service, which can be used for cooling as of August 24.
• 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, on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from noon to 4 p.m.
  • 31 are open on weekdays from 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 feature extended hours, open until 11:45 p.m.
• Decisions to extend pool hours are made daily when a Heat Warning is in place, based on weather risks and resource availability. Up-to-date information on extended pool hours and a list of locations will be available. For information on pools and regular operating hours call 311 or visit toronto.ca/swim.
• For this Heat Warning, the following ECCs will be 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., open 11 a.m. on Sunday and remains open overnight until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 24
  • Mimico-Coronation Club House, 10 Judson St., open on Sunday only, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Masaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre, 220 Cowan Ave., open on Sunday only, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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.An interactive map is available online to help those who need to access a cool space to 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 and libraries. A mask will be provided at ECCs to those without a mask who wants to enter.Frequently Asked Questions about Community-run Cooling Rooms are available.