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Extreme Heat Alert

Extreme Heat Alert declared - Cooling Centres Open

Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health has issued an Extreme Heat Alert for today. The Extreme Heat Alert will be in effect until further notice.

During an Extreme Heat Alert, the public is encouraged to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness, to see if they require assistance. Other at risk groups include people with chronic and pre-existing illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications and those who are marginally housed or homeless.

During an extreme heat alert, people are encouraged to make use of air conditioned shopping malls and local libraries as places to cool off. During the labour disruption, alternative Cooling Centres are open during Extreme Heat Alerts. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre will be open 24 hours a day (located on Front Street west of John Street - enter through Front Street) and the following locations will be open from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.:

  • Toronto North York Library Branch, 5120 Yonge Street
  • Toronto Parkdale Library Branch, 1303 Queen Street W
  • Toronto Richview Library Branch, 1806 Islington Avenue
  • Salvation Army Cedarbrae Community Church, 2085 Ellesmere Road
  • Salvation Army YORKWOODS Community Church, 20 Yorkwoods Gate
  • Salvation Army Scarborough Citadel Church, 2 021 Lawrence Avenue E

Water and snacks are available at the Cooling Centres. Additional information on ways to help stay cool is also available at: http://www.toronto.ca/housing/cooling-centres.htm.

The public is advised to "Beat the Heat" by taking these precautions:

  • Drink lots of water and natural fruit juices
  • Go to air conditioned places, including shopping malls and one of many local libraries located in each neighbourhood
  • Stay out of the sun
  • Reduce strenuous physical outdoor activity, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Never leave the elderly, children or pets unattended in a car

Landlords of buildings without air conditioning are encouraged to provide a dedicated cooling room for residents to escape the heat. Community agencies are encouraged to educate clients on the risks of heat-related illness and to call or check those clients at increased risk of heat-related illness during alerts.

When an alert is declared, those in need of assistance or have heat-related inquiries may call the Canadian Red Cross Heat Information Line at 416-480-2615 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

For more information on How to Beat the Heat please visit: www.toronto.ca/health

Often high air pollution occurs during hot weather conditions. People with heart and lung conditions, seniors and children should pay special attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index levels and forecasts available at: www.airhealth.ca

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. 2009 marks the 175th anniversary of Toronto's incorporation as a city. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.