As Toronto braces for what meteorologists are calling a “dangerously hot” heat wave this week, I spent yesterday afternoon visiting several of the city’s newly opened cooling centers. The experience offered a firsthand look at Toronto’s emergency heat response system that now includes over 500 designated cooling spaces across the city.
“We’re expecting sustained temperatures that could feel like 40 degrees with the humidity,” explained Jaye Robinson, who oversees emergency management for the city. During our conversation at the Metro Hall cooling center, she emphasized that this network represents Toronto’s most extensive heat emergency response in recent years.
Walking through the downtown core yesterday, the heat was already oppressive by 11 a.m. The pavement radiated warmth, and I noticed significantly fewer people than usual on normally busy streets. Those who ventured out moved slowly, many seeking shade under store awnings or trees.
Inside the Metro Hall facility, I found about a dozen people taking refuge from the heat. Among them was Margaret Chen, a 72-year-old resident from a nearby apartment building without air conditioning.
“My unit becomes unbearable during these heat waves,” Chen told me while sipping cold water provided by staff. “I’m grateful these places exist. I’ll probably be here every afternoon until this passes.”
The city has transformed libraries, community centers, and various municipal buildings into temporary cooling spaces. Officials have extended hours at many locations, with some remaining open until 11 p.m.
What struck me most was the comprehensive approach. Beyond just air-conditioned spaces, many centers offer cold water, medical staff on standby, and information about heat-related illness symptoms.
Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, emphasized the serious nature of this heat event during yesterday’s press briefing.
“Heat-related illness can progress quickly from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions,” she cautioned. “We’re particularly concerned about vulnerable populations including seniors, young children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
The Toronto Public Library system has emerged as a critical partner in this response. Every branch now serves as an official cooling space, providing extended refuge hours in neighborhoods throughout the city.
“We’ve seen a 30% increase in visitors since the heat warning began,” noted Susan Wang, branch manager at the Parkdale Library location. “Many people come specifically seeking relief from the heat, especially those from nearby apartments without adequate cooling.”
Environment Canada forecasts show little relief in sight, with daytime highs expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius and humidex values potentially making it feel like 42 degrees through Friday.
The city’s comprehensive response includes targeted outreach to vulnerable communities. Street teams are conducting wellness checks in areas with high concentrations of seniors and providing transportation to cooling centers when needed.
Joseph Reis, a street outreach coordinator I accompanied yesterday afternoon, explained their approach while distributing water bottles near Moss Park.
“We focus on areas where we know many people don’t have air conditioning,” Reis said. “We’re making sure everyone knows where the nearest cooling center is located and helping arrange transportation for those who need it.”
The city’s website now features an interactive map showing all cooling center locations, hours of operation, and available services. Mobile crisis intervention teams are also conducting welfare checks on individuals experiencing homelessness.
Toronto Hydro has implemented contingency plans to handle the increased power demand as air conditioners run continuously across the city. The utility company reports they’ve positioned emergency response crews strategically throughout the city to quickly address any potential outages.
City officials are encouraging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, especially seniors living alone. They recommend visiting cooling spaces during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
For those unable to leave their homes, health officials suggest closing blinds during daylight hours, using fans strategically, taking cool showers, and limiting physical activity.
As I left the cooling center yesterday, I noticed the growing line of people waiting for the shuttle bus that would take them to another facility that remains open later in the evening. The comprehensive nature of Toronto’s response is impressive, though it underscores the growing challenge urban centers face as extreme heat events become more common.
The full list of cooling centers and their hours is available on the City of Toronto website, with updates provided as conditions change.
