The West Toronto Ontario Health Team (OHT) has just launched a new Heatwave Registry for summer 2026 as part of their Climate & Health strategy. Last summer, the City of Toronto had double the annual average of days above 32°C (CBC News). Extreme heat has severe health effects including heat stroke and worsened health risks from chronic conditions.
Community members that register will receive a phone call from a volunteer on days with extreme heat and/or air quality warnings. Volunteers will check to see if the individual has what they need to stay cool, offer information about nearby cooling centres, and facilitate connections to local health services as required. If effective, this should reduce the risk of extreme heat and prevent avoidable hospitalizations in the process.
There are no restrictions on who can put their name on the Heatwave Registry. West Toronto OHT encourages organizations serving older adults, individuals managing a chronic illness, and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat to share this support.
