Temporary Warming Centre Framework
To help protect people from cold-related harm, the City of London and local service providers will activate additional warming spaces and supports through the Temporary Warming Centre Framework. This framework introduces a phased approach that adds overnight shelter beds earlier in the season and increases the number of warming spaces available when temperatures drop.
How the Framework Works
- Tier 1 – Winter Readiness (November 15 – April 15)
The City and local agencies will add 20 additional shelter spaces across London to help people stay warm during cold months. Extra beds are added to existing shelters to meet increased demand and reduce the need for emergency measures later in the winter. - Tier 2 – Cold-Weather Response (activation at –5 °C)
Consistent with previous winter services, the Cronyn-Warner site at Bishop Cronyn Memorial Church will remain open, maintaining an additional 70 shelter beds. This ensures Londoners have access to warm spaces even before extreme cold conditions develop. - Tier 3 – Surge Response (activation at –15 °C or a windchill of –20 °C)
When temperatures reach –15 °C or a windchill of –20 °C, 50 additional warming spaces open through existing service providers. If all available shelter beds and warming spaces are full, a temporary warming centre will also open at Boyle Memorial Community Centre (530 Charlotte Avenue).
These temperature levels are based on local health evidence showing that cold-related injuries can occur even at milder temperatures. Activation decisions also consider windchill, forecast duration, and recommendations from the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
Daytime Warming Centre Locations
During a cold weather alert, the following community centres will be available as warming centres during regular operating hours.
- East Lions Community Centre located at 1731 Churchill Avenue
- North London Optimist Community Centre located at 1345 Cheapside Street.
- South London Community Centre located at 1119 Jalna Boulevard
- Canada Games Aquatic Centre located at 1045 Wonderland Road North
- Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre is located at 656 Elizabeth Street
It's important to note that any City of London community centre can be used as a warming centre, when open, if Londoners need a reprieve from the cold.
The London Public Library Central Branch will also be available as a warming space during extreme weather alerts. For a list of locations and hours of operation, please visit the London Public Library website.
Please note that no special programming is provided at warming centres and the hours of operation may vary.
Additional Community Resources
Our community partners are a huge support for Londoners during cold weather alerts. Learn more about where and how to access these services.
Coordinated Informed Response
As part of their ongoing outreach, the team provides refreshments, snacks, and warm clothing (such as socks, mitts, coats, and blankets) as needed. Learn more about their work by visiting the Coordinated Informed Response page.
Outreach
The London Cares Street Outreach Team supports individuals experiencing homelessness in London by conducting health and safety well-being checks, providing basic necessities and warm clothing, and connecting people to warming spaces, shelters, and other community services. The team also helps with transportation for anyone needing assistance to reach a warm or safe location. You can reach London Cares by calling 519-667-2273.
Resting Spaces
Bishop Cronyn Memorial Church (442 William Street)
Offers overnight long-term beds by referral only. To learn more, please call Bishop Cronyn (Warner) at 519-860-2932.
Drop-In Services and Warming Spaces
City of London Warming Spaces
A list of City-operated warming spaces is available at the top of this webpage.
Ark Aid Street Mission (696 Dundas Street)
Overnight emergency beds are available with a community agency referral. Daily access includes warming space, basic needs, meals and snacks, washroom facilities, system navigation, and recovery meetings. For more information, call 519-667-0322.
London Public Library – Central Branch (251 Dundas Street)
Open Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Provides a time-limited warming space (no washroom access).
Branch Library loctaions are open from Tuesday to Saturday. Hours can be found here.
London Coffee House (371 Hamilton Road)
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (extended hours during extreme weather).
Offers drop-in access, food, warming, and washroom and laundry facilities. For more information, please call 519-204-4719.
My Sisters’ Place (566 Dundas Street)
For individuals who identify as women. Open Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Provides drop-in access, snacks, warming, and referrals to night spaces. For more information, please call 519-204-4719.
The Commons (602 Queens Avenue)
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Offers drop-in services and connection to supports. For more information, please call 519-667-2273.
Emergency Shelters
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
London’s emergency shelters provide short-term accommodation and basic needs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These spaces are designed to meet immediate needs.
Men’s Mission and Rehabilitation Centre (459 York Street)
For men aged 16 years and older. Includes 7 additional beds during extreme weather. For more information, please call 519-672-8500.
Rotholme Family Shelter (42 Stanley Street)
For families; may also accommodate single women during extreme weather. For more information, please call 519-673-4114.
The Salvation Army Centre of Hope (281 Wellington Street)
For individuals aged 16 years and older. Includes 2 additional beds during extreme weather. For more information, please call 519-661-0343.
YOU Youth Shelter (585 Clarke Road)
For youth aged 16 to 24. Provides both shelter and hub services. Includes 4 additional beds during extreme weather. For more information, please call 519-686-1038.
Violence Against Women Shelters
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Emergency shelter and support are available for women experiencing abuse and their children.
Anova (101 Wellington Road and 450 Clarke Road)
For women-identifying individuals. For more information, please call 519-642-3000 or 1-800-265-1576.
Atlohsa Family Healing Services – Zhaawanong Shelter
For Indigenous women and their children, by referral. For more information, please call 519-432-2270 or 1-800-605-7477.