Heat warnings issued for Ontario, Quebec and Eastern provinces

Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for several parts of the country, including southern Quebec and Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia where temperatures could reach 40 C by end of day Friday.

The heatwave is particularly being felt in Toronto, as many are criticizing the city’s changes in how they respond to extreme heat.

An official heat warning is issued when the humidex value is expected to reach 40 C or more, or between 29 and 40 C depending on the region you live in.

In Ontario and Quebec, the heat event will continue into Saturday, according to Environment Canada.

“On Saturday temperatures will remain near thirty with humidex values in the upper thirties; however with the passage of a cold front, cooler temperatures and lower humidity is expected for the remainder of the weekend.”

For those on the east coast, the daytime high is set to reach 32 C in Fredericton on Saturday with a humidex of 39 C. Halifax residents will feel similar conditions, according to Environment Canada.

The department warns that extreme heat impacts everyone, but those particularly at risk include the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those who spend a lot of time outdoors.

A heat warning indicates that there’s a higher risk for heat illnesses including heat stroke or heat exhaustion, so it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings.

Here are a few tips to stay cool and safe during periods of extreme heat.

Toronto Public Health Criticized

This week, Toronto Public Health announced they would change how they approach extreme heat situations. Toronto will no longer issue their own heat warnings and will instead “amplify” reports from Environment Canada, according to a report on the city’s website.

Public Health will no longer be operating cooling centres in the city and instead are directing residents and vulnerable people to a “relief network” of 270 cool spaces.

These spaces include libraries, public pools, splash pads, community centres and malls.

“Shelters and 24-hour respite centres are also available for individuals experiencing homelessness,” states the report.

Some have criticized the new policies, claiming the cool areas aren’t accessible to everyone, especially the homeless.

As this is the first extreme heat warning for this summer, the results of the policy changes by Toronto Public Health haven’t been seen yet.

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