A Toronto survival guide to another sweaty summer in the city | CBC News

Toronto is preparing for hotter summers after record heat warnings lasting 29 days last year. The city has already issued its first heat warning of 2026 and expects more extreme heat. During heat warnings, Toronto will open more than 500 cooling spaces, extend city pool hours, and set up mobile water stations. A 24/7 cooling centre at 136 Spadina Road will support unhoused people, with enhanced outreach and wellness checks. The heat relief strategy includes changes to address gaps from last year, including staffing shortages that led to pool closures. The city will add 25% more aquatic staff, improve access to rest spaces, and work on pool infrastructure. Toronto is also expanding a portable air conditioner program to provide at least 2,400 residents with free units.

"During these heat warnings, the city will open more than 500 cooling spaces, extend city pool hours and set up mobile water stations, officials said Wednesday. The city will also open a 24/7 cooling centre at 136 Spadina Road for unhoused people, and enhance outreach and wellness checks. It's all part of Toronto's heat relief strategy, which is seeing some changes to address gaps from last year that led Mayor Olivia Chow to call for a review."

"Staffing issues, for instance, led some city pools to be closed during extreme heat. The city's director of recreation, Aydin Sarrafzadeh, says there will be 25 per cent more aquatic staff this year in response to last summer's shortages. Staff will also have better access to rest spaces, he said, and the city will work on pool infrastructure to ensure it can handle high volumes during the heat."

"The city is expanding its air conditioning assistance program, providing at least 2,400 Torontonians with a free portable air conditioner, said Joanna Beaven-Desjardins, executive director of Toronto Emergency Management. The program, introduced last year, is meant to"

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