2025.MM31.21

Background

Amidst the intensifying effects of climate change, for the first time in many years, the humidex (combining temperature and humidity) reached the dangerous threshold of 46 degrees C. In addition to pool closures and limitations to the capacities of Project Water to deliver bottles to unhoused populations, the city believes additional measures were needed to keep Torontonians safe from the effects of extreme heat.
 

Source: City of Toronto

Item Description

The plans include a “report to City Council in the fourth quarter of 2025 with a review of the City’s heat relief strategy and recommendations for improvements, including restoration of previously offered services like 24/7 cooling centres, and consideration of the creation of a Chief Resiliency Officer [...]” and assurances that “nurses (and/or paramedics as permitted under provincial guidelines) can support the undisrupted operation of outdoor pools” during high-risk weather. It also secures funds to ensure distribution of at least 500,000 water bottles in 2025, determination of high-priority locations, and assurance of contingency plans for extreme heat during city summer operations. It also includes collaboration with Canadian Red Cross for “door-to-door [services] in areas with vulnerable populations to check on residents, provide information on relevant services, and collect data” regarding extreme weather. Finally, it facilitates collaboration among city organizations to identify additional opportunities for 24/7 indoor ‘cool spaces’ for vulnerable populations. 

Source: City of Toronto

Proposed by

Mayor Olivia Chow, seconded by Councillor Alejandra Bravo