The City of Toronto is ramping up its efforts to keep residents cool during the heat wave. 

In response to the current heat warning declared by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the City is temporarily extending swimming hours at seven outdoor public pools.

The following public pools will be open, weather permitting, until 11:45 p.m. tonight:

* Alex Duff Memorial Outdoor Pool, 779 Crawford St. 
* Giovanni Caboto Pool, 1369 St. Clair Ave. W.
* McGregor Park Outdoor Pool, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E. 
* Monarch Park Outdoor Pool, 115 Felstead Ave.  
* Parkway Forest Outdoor Pool, 55 Forest Manor Rd.  
* Smithfield Park Outdoor Pool, 175 Mount Olive Dr. 
* Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool, 1755 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

public poolsSunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool

A heat warning does not automatically result in extended hours in Toronto's public pools. Decisions to do so are made daily while a heat warning is in place, based on risks with weather and resource availability.

“City staff will continue to monitor ECCC reports, weather conditions, and available resources to determine whether hours will be extended beyond tonight and will post operational updates to www.toronto.ca/swim and City social media channels,” said the City in a press release. 

The City has long been known to extend the operating hours in Toronto pools during heat waves. But extending pool hours is just one example of the City’s heat relief efforts. 

During the summer season (May 15 to September 30), the City activates a hot weather response plan to ensure that residents -- especially those particularly vulnerable to the heat -- have access to cool spaces. This year, the City has once again activated its extensive Heat Relief Network; an initiative that is comprised of more than 300 locations throughout the city, including libraries, community centres, civic centres, drop-ins, and several private and non-profit organizations, including some shopping malls and YMCA locations. 

The network also includes shelters and 24-hour respite centres that are available to individuals experiencing homelessness. An interactive map is available to help those looking to cool off locate a Heat Relief Network location near them.

Toronto