What to know
- Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Heat Warning for Toronto and Brampton beginning Monday, July 13.
- Toronto is activating its Heat Relief Strategy, opening hundreds of Cool Spaces, extending hours at civic centres and deploying mobile water stations.
- Outdoor pools, splash pads, supervised beaches and select pools with late-night hours will remain available throughout the heat warning.
- Brampton is opening public buildings as cooling locations and encouraging residents to use splash pads, pools and beaches while limiting outdoor activity during peak heat.
A second stretch of summer heat is hitting the GTA, prompting Toronto and Brampton to activate heat relief measures to help residents stay safe.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a yellow heat warning beginning Monday, July 13, with hot and humid conditions expected to continue through at least Wednesday in Toronto. Peel Public Health has also issued a heat warning for Brampton.
Heat warnings are issued when daytime temperatures are expected to reach 31 C with overnight lows of 20 C for at least two consecutive days, or when humidex values are expected to reach 40 for two days or more.
Toronto activates Heat Relief Strategy
The City of Toronto says its Heat Relief Strategy has been activated, coordinating additional services and monitoring conditions around the clock throughout the warning.
Residents looking to cool off will have access to more than 500 Cool Spaces, including libraries, community centres and civic centres across the city.
Several civic centres will also operate with extended hours during the heat warning:
- Metro Hall, Scarborough, Etobicoke, York and East York Civic Centres: 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- North York Civic Centre: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The city is also deploying four mobile drinking water trailers beginning Monday at noon. They will be located at:
- Nathan Phillips Square
- Mel Lastman Square
- East York Civic Centre
- Barbara Hall Park
Nathan Phillips Square will continue hosting a water trailer throughout the FIFA World Cup.
Toronto also notes residents can access more than 700 public drinking fountains in city parks.
Pools, splash pads and beaches open
Residents looking to beat the heat will have plenty of options.
Toronto’s:
- 10 supervised beaches are open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- More than 170 splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- 57 outdoor pools are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Eight outdoor pools will remain open until 11:45 p.m. throughout the heat warning, including:
- Alex Duff Pool
- Giovanni Caboto Pool
- Heron Park Pool
- McGregor Park Pool
- Monarch Park Pool
- North Toronto Memorial Pool
- Smithfield Park Pool
- Sunnyside Gus Ryder Pool
Additional supports for vulnerable residents
The city says outreach teams will increase wellness checks and distribute water, sunscreen and hygiene kits to people experiencing homelessness.
An additional 113 contingency shelter spaces will be available beginning Monday, while a 24-hour cool space will open at 136 Spadina Rd., offering air-conditioned seating, refreshments and recreational activities.
Residents concerned about someone experiencing homelessness during the heat are encouraged to call 311 to request outreach support.
FIFA and CampTO changes
With FIFA World Cup activities continuing across Toronto, shaded cooling areas and free drinking water will remain available at Nathan Phillips Square and the FIFA Fan Festival near Fort York.
Medical and first aid staff will also be on site to respond to potential heat-related illnesses.
Meanwhile, CampTO programs will continue operating, although outdoor programming may be reduced during the hottest parts of the day and some field trips may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.
Brampton activates heat relief measures
The City of Brampton is also urging residents to take precautions after Peel Public Health issued a Heat Warning.
Residents can cool off inside City Hall, recreation centres and libraries during regular operating hours.
The city’s 24 splash pads remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., while Chinguacousy Park wading pool, Professor’s Lake Beach and Eldorado Park Outdoor Pool are also open, weather permitting.
Officials are encouraging residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon temperatures, drink plenty of water and spend time in air-conditioned or shaded spaces whenever possible.
Know the signs of heat-related illness
Toronto Public Health warns that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Symptoms may include:
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
- confusion
- extreme fatigue
- muscle cramps
Anyone who becomes confused, loses consciousness or experiences worsening symptoms should have 911 called immediately.
Officials are also reminding residents to:
- drink water regularly, even before feeling thirsty
- wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day
- check on older adults, neighbours and family members
- never leave children, older adults or pets inside parked vehicles
