Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. There are many public places residents and visitors can cool off in Ottawa and also ways to cool off at home even if you do not have air conditioning.
- The Salvation Army Outreach Van is operational 24/7, and staff are equipped to direct or transport individuals experiencing homelessness to places to cool off.
- Residents can access cooling locations across the city — including libraries, community centres, beaches, swimming pools and splash pads — which are listed on OPH’s interactive Places to Cool Off map. When a heat event is declared by Environment Canada, the City’s Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services will remove some lanes to accommodate public swimmers during scheduled lane swims.
- For information on available services, concerned or impacted residents are encouraged to call 3-1-1. For medical emergency assistance such as heat stroke, call 9-1-1. Residents can call 8-1-1 Health Connect Ontario for non-emergency medical advice.
- Call 2-1-1 for locations of overnight shelters and services for people experiencing homelessness in Ottawa.
- Call 3-1-1 to get assistance for someone who needs transportation to a shelter to get out of the heat.
For a full range of Extreme Heat resources, please visit the Ottawa Public Health website.
