Toronto Council Endorses Proposal to Reopen 24/7 Cooling Centres and Revive Role of Chief Resilience Officer

Strategic Insights -

A proposal by Mayor Olivia Chow to review and update Toronto's heat relief strategy has been endorsed by the city council, with a focus on reopening round-the-clock cooling centres and reviving the position of chief resiliency officer. The motion, which passed with 21 votes to one, also requires the city to consider reopening 24/7 cooling centres, bring back the position of chief resiliency officer, and report back at the end of the year with recommendations to improve Toronto's heat response. The proposal comes as the city experiences an increasing number of heat waves, with four out of the five hottest years on record happening since 2010.

Key Takeaways:

  • Toronto council has endorsed a proposal to review and update the city's heat relief strategy, with a focus on reopening round-the-clock cooling centres and reviving the position of chief resiliency officer.
  • The motion requires the city to consider reopening 24/7 cooling centres, which were shut down in 2019, and bring back the position of chief resiliency officer to address gaps in the city's heat response strategy.
  • The city has experienced an increasing number of heat waves, with four out of the five hottest years on record happening since 2010.
  • Mayor Olivia Chow has apologized for the closure of public swimming pools during the heat wave and has announced that the city will allocate up to $50,000 to distribute at least 500,000 water bottles this summer.
  • The city will also report back at the end of the year with recommendations to improve Toronto's heat response, including the role of a CRO and funding a pilot program with the Red Cross to check in on vulnerable populations.
  • Toronto has operated 545 cooling locations, handed out 14,000 water bottles, and opened 100 shelter beds in response to the heat wave.

Statistics:

  • Four out of the five hottest years on record have happened since 2010 (source: Toronto Public Health).
  • The city has experienced more extremely hot days – with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius – in recent decades (source: Toronto Public Health).
  • Up to $50,000 will be allocated to distribute at least 500,000 water bottles this summer (source: Toronto City Council).
  • 14,000 water bottles were handed out in response to the heat wave (source: Mayor Olivia Chow).
  • 100 shelter beds were opened in response to the heat wave (source: Mayor Olivia Chow).
  • Within the next 10 to 15 years, experts predict 26 to 44 days of heat events per year (source: James Nowlan, Executive Director of Climate, Toronto City Council).

Sources:

  • Toronto City Council
  • Mayor Olivia Chow
  • Toronto Public Health
  • Globe and Mail