Environmental Health & Hazards

Heat Warnings & Heat-Related Illness

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The City of Hamilton’s Heat Warning and Information System (HWIS) includes seasonal monitoring and two levels of heat response: Heat Warning and Extended Heat Warning. Extreme heat puts everyone at risk of heat-related illnesses. People at increased risk include:

those age 65 and older
young children
people with chronic medical conditions
people who work and are active outdoors

It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your family during heat warnings and extended heat warnings. Extreme heat can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death. Take precautions to reduce your risk of heat-related illnesses.

Throughout the summer, please pay attention to the radio, TV, local newspaper, City website and social media for Public Health heat warnings or extended heat warnings, and for tips and services available in the community to beat the heat.

Response stages

There are two response stages and triggers:

Heat Warning

Two or more consecutive days forecasted with daytime highs greater than or equal to 31°C and nighttime lows greater than or equal to 20°C or two or more consecutive days with a Humidex of 40°C or greater.

Extended Heat Warning

Three or more consecutive days observed with daytime highs greater than or equal to 31°C and nighttime lows greater than or equal to 20°C or three or more consecutive days with a Humidex of 40°C or greater.

Cool Place Locations

During a Heat Warning

During an Extended Heat Warning

Reducing Your Risk

Cool Places Map

The City of Hamilton and participating community agencies are responding to the heat by offering “cool places” to go during all stages of a heat event. These locations can be identified by a “Cool Down Here” sign at the entrance. View map in new window

Due to the Labour Day holiday on Monday, September 4, 2023 the following will be closed:

All City-operated Recreation Centers will be closed with the exception of Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre and Westmount Recreation Centre, which will be operating as cooling centres. Hours of operation will be 11 am to 7 pm

All Hamilton Public Library Branches are closed for Labour Day with the exception of the Central Branch which will open as a cooling centre on Monday, September 4 from 12 pm to 5 pm

All Wading Pools closed for the season on August 25 except for Dundas Driving Park. Dundas Driving Park wading pool will be open regular hours 12 p.m to 7 pm with the final day of operation for the season on Labour Day.

All City of Hamilton outdoor pools will be closed for the season, as of Tuesday, September 5.

For the current operating hours of all City of Hamilton Cool Locations, including indoor and outdoor pools, wading pools, spray pads, beaches and Libraries please see links provided below. All regularly scheduled Open Swims will be FREE to the public during Heat Warnings. Access will only be provided to the designated cool place rooms or to the swimming pool during operating hours. *Please note: During statutory holidays Indoor pools, Recreation Centres and Libraries are closed.

City of Hamilton Recreation Centres

These locations operate as a cool place during posted customer service hours

Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Rd W, Ancaster
Bennetto Recreation Centre, 450 Hughson Street North, Hamilton
Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre, 896 Cannon St E, Hamilton
Central Memorial Community Centre, 93 West Ave S, Hamilton
Dominic Agostino Riverdale Community Centre, 150 Violet Dr, Hamilton
Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre, 10 Market St S, Dundas
Huntington Park Recreation Centre, 87 Brentwood Dr, Hamilton
Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre, 192 Wentworth St N, Hamilton
Kanétskare Recreation Centre, 251 Duke St, Hamilton
Sackville Hill Seniors Centre, 780 Upper Wentworth St, Hamilton
Sir Allan MacNab Recreation Centre, 145 Magnolia Drive, Hamilton
Valley Park Community & Aquatic Centre, 970 Paramount Dr, Stoney Creek
Westmount Recreation Centre, 35 Lynbrook Dr, Hamilton

For the current operating hours of all City of Hamilton Cool Locations, including indoor and outdoor pools, wading pools, spray pads, beaches and Libraries please see links provided below. All regularly scheduled Open Swims will be FREE to the public during Heat Warnings. Access will only be provided to the designated cool place rooms or to the swimming pool during operating hours. *Please note: During statutory holidays Indoor pools, Recreation Centres and Libraries are closed.

*All wading pools, except for Dundas Driving Park, are closed during an Extended Heat Warning. Please visit an indoor/outdoor pool or spray pad.

City of Hamilton Recreation Centres

These locations operate as a cool place during posted customer service hours

Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Rd W, Ancaster
Bennetto Recreation Centre, 450 Hughson Street North, Hamilton
Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre, 896 Cannon St E, Hamilton
Central Memorial Community Centre, 93 West Ave S, Hamilton
Dominic Agostino Riverdale Community Centre, 150 Violet Dr, Hamilton
Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre, 10 Market St S, Dundas
Huntington Park Recreation Centre, 87 Brentwood Dr, Hamilton
Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre, 192 Wentworth St N, Hamilton
Ryerson Recreation Centre, 251 Duke St, Hamilton
Sackville Hill Seniors Centre, 780 Upper Wentworth St, Hamilton
Sir Allan MacNab Recreation Centre, 145 Magnolia Drive, Hamilton
Valley Park Community & Aquatic Centre, 970 Paramount Dr, Stoney Creek
Westmount Recreation Centre, 35 Lynbrook Dr, Hamilton

Prepare for the heat

What you can do to prepare for the heat before it arrives:

If you take medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about how your medication affects your risk for heat-related illness.
If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works properly. If you have ceiling fans or other fans, they can help as long as the temperature is not too high.
Make plans to visit air-conditioned places such as a library or community centre during heat events. Even a few hours every day in air conditioning will help.
During warm weather, check local weather forecasts so you know when to take extra care.

Extreme heat can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin; weak pulse, fainting and vomiting. If you are experiencing symptoms, get help right away – call 911 if you need help.

Reducing your risk of heat-related illness

Take precautions to reduce your risk of heat-related illness such as:

Drinking lots of water
Going to an air-conditioned place such as your home, library or community centres.
Wearing a hat and loose-fitting, lightweight clothes
Taking a bath or shower with cool water or if this is not possible, running cool water over your wrists or putting your arms or feet in cool water
Closing your blinds or curtains
Opening your windows to let air circulate while using a fan, only if the outdoor air is cooler than the indoor air
Limiting physical activity during the day
Having cold meals to eat
Cooking outside instead of turning on the stove
Calling your doctor if you have heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, tiredness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea and/or vomiting

Never leave pets or children alone in closed vehicles, especially when it is hot outside.

Help others by checking on your neighbours and family to make sure they are OK.

Information about what to do to reduce your risk of heat-related illness is available in these languages:

Date modified

November 09, 2023