Item - 2021.EC24.19

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the Office of Emergency Management and Toronto Public Health, to review the guidelines currently in place determining the opening of cooling centres across the City of Toronto and to report back to the December 1, 2021 meeting of the Economic and Community Development Committee.

The City of Toronto Heat Relief Strategy supports the operation of Emergency Cooling Centres from May 15 to September 30 during heat warnings where consecutive days have maximum temperatures of 31 degrees or warmer as outlined on the website: Staying Healthy in Hot Weather – City of Toronto.

"Environment and Climate Change Canada issues Heat Warnings across Canada. A Heat Warning is issued for southern Ontario (including Toronto) when there is a forecast of two or more consecutive days with daytime maximum temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius or warmer, together with nighttime minimum temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius or warmer or when there is a forecast of two or more consecutive days with humidex values expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius or higher."

During the week of August 9, 2021, temperatures reached expected record highs, leaving residents asking why Emergency Cooling Centres were not opened. In light of the changes in weather due to climate change and the rapid changing weather patterns, a review of our current regulations governing the opening of Emergency Cooling Centres is appropriate currently.

A review would provide an opportunity to educate, and where necessary, administer improvements.