The Medical Officer of Health for Grand Erie Public Health has issued a heat warning for the region, effective today, urging residents to take extra precautions amid dangerously high temperatures.
The alert follows a forecast by Environment and Climate Change Canada predicting at least two consecutive days of daytime highs of 31°C or more and nighttime lows of 20°C or above, or a humidex reaching 40°C or higher. Such conditions significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Cooling Centres and Facilities
To help residents cope with the extreme heat, several cooling facilities are available throughout Brantford, including:
• Brantford Public Library branches at 173 Colborne Street and 441 St. Paul Avenue
(Visit brantfordlibrary.ca for hours)
• Lynden Park Mall, 84 Lynden Road
(lyndenparkmall.com)
• Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park Street
(Admission rates apply; waynegretzkysportscentre.ca)
• Woodman Community Centre Pool
(Visit brantford.ca/WoodmanPool)
• Earl Haig Family Fun Park, 101 Market Street South
(Admission rates apply; Brantford.ca/EarlHaig)
• Splash Pads (open daily from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., weather permitting)
Locations include:
• Anderson Road Park – 70 Anderson Rd
• Bridle Path Park – 55 Palomino Dr
• Harmony Square – 89 Dalhousie St
• Mohawk Park – 51 Lynwood Dr
• Tutela Park – 160 Erie Ave
(brantford.ca/SplashPads for updates)
Emergency Shelters and Cooling Support
Individuals in need of emergency shelter can access 24/7 intake services through SOAR Community Services at 1-888-621-0034 or via email at housing@soarcs.com.
In-person services are available:
• Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. at 73 Murray Street
• After 12:30 a.m., weekends and holidays at 331 Dalhousie Street
Additional cooling locations include:
• Rosewood House, 42 Nelson Street (men and women)
• Salvation Army Booth Centre, 187 Dalhousie Street (men only)
• SOAR Cooling Centre, 73 Murray Street (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., excluding holidays; capacity: 10 people)
For full shelter information, visit Brantford.ca/EmergencyShelters.
Health Advisory
Grand Erie Public Health warns that everyone is at risk during extreme heat, but older adults, infants and children, people with chronic illnesses, and those who work or exercise outdoors are especially vulnerable.
Symptoms of heat-related illness can include:
• Extreme thirst or dry mouth
• Dizziness or fainting
• Decreased urination
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid breathing or heartbeat
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately move to a cool location, drink water, and seek medical help if necessary.
Residents are also encouraged to check on neighbours, friends and family, especially seniors and those living alone. Tenants in multi-residential buildings are reminded to use common areas as cooling spaces when needed.
More Information
For safety tips and heat-related resources, visit Brantford.ca/Heat.
