Toronto Public Health reported 39 heat-related emergency department visits to Toronto hospitals during the recent heat wave from June 30 to July 4, according to the Acute Care Enhanced Surveillance system as of 2 p.m. on July 6. The highest number of visits on a single day occurred on Thursday, July 2, with 15 total.
Heat warning issued by Environment Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued an orange-level heat warning on June 29, with heat conditions taking effect on Tuesday, June 30. The warning was declared over on the evening of July 4. “A long duration heat event begins (June 30),” said the federal agency, with maximum temperatures of 31-34°C, potentially reaching up to 37°C in some areas.
The hottest days were expected to be July 1 and 2, with maximum temperatures of 34 to 37°C and minimum temperatures of 21 to 25°C, providing little relief overnight.
City opens over 500 cooling spaces
In response to the heat warning, the City of Toronto opened more than 500 cooling spaces across the city, including a 24-hour cooling space at 136 Spadina Rd. as of June 30. Mobile water trailers were also available starting June 30 at noon at Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square, East York Civic Centre, and Barbara Hall Park during the heat warning.
The city stated that 247 park washrooms and over 700 water fountains were activated for the heat season. Streets to Homes teams and Park Ambassadors distributed water as part of enhanced outreach efforts. Additionally, eight designated outdoor pools remained open past their scheduled closure during the heat wave.
