Cooling centres

The Middlesex-London Health Unit will issue a Heat Alert when:

Heat Warning

  • Environment Canada issues a forecast indicating a daily Tmax of 31oC or higher with a Tmin of 20oC or higher for two consecutive days, or
  • Environment Canada issues a forecast indicating a daily Humidex of 40 or higher for a duration of two consecutive days.

Extended Heat Warning

  • Environment Canada issues a forecast indicating a daily Tmax of 31oC or higher with a Tmin of 20oC or higher for duration of three consecutive days or longer, or
  • Environment Canada issues a forecast indicating daily Humidex of 40 or higher for a duration of three consecutive days or longer.

When a heat alert is issued, the City of London will initiate our extreme temperature protocol, which may include opening cooling centre for residents who require temporary shelter from the heat.

Hours and location of cooling centres will be updated here when a heat alert is issued. Please note that no special programming is provided at cooling centres and the hours of operation may vary.

For extreme heat weather information and tips to avoid the risks of heat-related illness, please visit https://www.healthunit.com/extreme-heat

Cooling Centres Hours and Locations

During a Heat Alert, the following community centres will be available as cooling centres  during regular operating hours. 

It's important to note that any City of London community centre can be used as a cooling centre, when open, if Londoners need a reprieve from the heat.

The London Public Library Central Branch will also be available as a cooling space during extreme weather alerts:  

  • Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
  • Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

The Central Branch is located at 251 Dundas Street.

Branch Library locations are open Tuesday – Saturday. Their hours can be found here. 

Additional Community Resources

In additional to the City's cooling centres, our community partners are a huge support for Londoners during hot weather alerts. Learn more about where and how to access these services below.

Additional Community Resources, Drop In Services and Shelters

Please note that these services' operational hours may change. 

  • The Coordinated Informed Response program as part of their outreach will offer refreshments and snacks where needed
  • London Cares Outreach will assist street involved individuals/families within the city of London by conducting health and safety wellbeing checks, providing basic needs, and connecting individuals to cooling spaces, shelters and services. London Cares will assist with transportation options for individuals who need assistance to get somewhere cool, including those requiring assistance due to the elements. Phone: 519-667-CARE (2273). 
  • Water fountains are available in Victoria Park, Gibbons Park, Springbank West Park, Pump House Park and the Springbank House.
  • Spray Pads are open between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily.  A list of spray pad activation features and locations can be found on our Aquatics page.   
  • Dundas Field House - located at 179 Dundas Street is open for washroom use.
Drop In Services / Cooling Spaces

Drop-in services are increasing water distribution. Cooling spaces are available at some locations.

  • London Public Library Central Branch - Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Located at 251 Dundas Street.  Please note there is limited space available, no washroom access.
  • Ark Aid Street Mission - Will provide basic needs including food, washroom access on first come first serve basis. Services from 9 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • London Coffee House -Monday-Friday 9:30am-12:30pm, including weekends and holidays. Extended hours in extreme weather. Drop in, food & cooling, washroom & laundry access - located at 371 Hamilton Rd, 519-204-4719
  • My Sisters' Place - Individuals who identify as women. Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., 4:30 - 9:30 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Drop-in, snacks, cooling, referral to night space – located at 566 Dundas Street, 519-204-4719
  • Safe Space London Sex workers, women & gender non-conforming folks. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12p-3p, Tuesday, Saturday 5-10 p.m. Drop-in, snacks and cooling – located at 679 Dundas St, 519-439-3020

Resting Spaces 

  • Ark Aid Street Mission 9:00pm-8am overnight drop in beds, 696 Dundas St, 519-667-0322. Participants needing a bed must show up at the Ark for 2pm registration.
  • Safe Space individuals involved in sex work, referral through Safe Space overnight 11pm-7am, 
    679 Dundas St, 519-439-3020
  • London Cares Daytime 9am-4pm Monday - Friday.  Drop-in support with shower, laundry and connection to services. 519-667-2273 extension 1, 602 Queen Ave- The Commons.

Resources for Extreme Weather

Emergency Shelters - 24 hours/day, 7 days a week

London’s emergency shelters provide, at a minimum, emergency room and board to individuals and/or families who are experiencing homelessness and are aimed at meeting immediate, short term needs.

  • Men’s Mission and Rehabilitation Centre (men 16 years and older). Located at 459 York Street, Phone: 519-672-8500 
  • Rotholme Family Shelter (for families). Located at 42 Stanley Street, Phone: 519-673-4114. ***may take single women in extreme weather
  • The Salvation Army Centre of Hope, (individuals 16 years and older). Located at 281 Wellington Street, Phone: 519-661-0343.
  • YOU Youth Shelter (youth ages 16 to 24) 585 Clarke Road. Phone: 519-686-1038.

Violence Against Women Shelters – 24hrs/day, 7 days a week

Emergency shelter and support for abused women and their children:

  • Anova - Located at 101 Wellington Road, 450 Clarke Road, Phone: 519-642- 3000 or 1-800-265-1576 (women identifying)
  • Atlohsa Family Healing Services - Zhaawanong Shelter - Located at 256 Hill Street. (Indigenous women and their children by referral) Phone: 1-800-605-7477 

Resources for Extreme Weather

 

 

Last modified:Monday, June 17, 2024