Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces
Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces are buildings in the region that provide space for the public to get temporary relief from heat, cold, or poor air quality during regular business hours. Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces are located all over Waterloo Region, including Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich. There is no expectation of extra amenities or services at these spaces above what is already provided. Some Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces are only available during Heat Warnings, Extreme Cold Warnings, and Special Air Quality Statements when issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada. These are noted below and on the interactive map.
Note that Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces are intended to provide temporary relief from heat, cold, and poor air quality. They are not available for extended stays. For additional supports for individuals experiencing homelessness, please reference the pocket card on the Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing webpage. The pocket card provides a list of locations and contact details for shelters, drop-in and street outreach services across the region.
An Extreme Cold Warning for Waterloo Region is issued when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach minus 30° C for at least two hours.
A Heat Warning for Waterloo Region is issued when one or both of the following conditions are met:
- Two consecutive days where the temperature is forecasted to be 31° C or higher during the day and 20° C or higher overnight
- Two consecutive days where the humidex is forecasted to be 40° C or higher
Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces list
See below for a list of all Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces by city and township.
New Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces are always welcome. To have your facility listed as a Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Space, please contact Region of Waterloo Public Health at ExtremeHeatCold@regionofwaterloo.ca
Temporary changes in regular business hours due to holidays or weather will not be reflected in this list. To check for changes, visit the website for each Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Space, by selecting "More Info" or the temporary changes link in the location listing.
Interactive Map of Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces in Waterloo Region
Instructions for using the interactive map of Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces in Waterloo Region:
- Click on the filter buttons above the map to filter for specific features (e.g., accessible building, building type, water fountain)
- Click on the icons in the map for specific details about each centre (e.g., hours of operation, address, parking availability, etc.)
- Click on the print icon at the top right of the window to print a PDF of your map selection
- Zoom in for additional features (e.g., bus routes and bus stops)
Contact ExtremeHeatCold@regionofwaterloo.ca to add a location to the Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces map, to correct any data, or to participate in the Waterloo Region Heat, Cold and Air Quality Network.
Waterloo Region Heat, Cold and Air Quality Network
The Waterloo Region Heat, Cold and Air Quality Network, coordinated by Region of Waterloo Public Health, is a collection of local partners that work together to reduce health risks associated with extreme heat, cold and poor air quality. This network includes representatives who run the Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces in Waterloo Region as well as partners who have front-line contact with vulnerable populations.
For more information, or to be added to the network, please contact Region of Waterloo Public Health at ExtremeHeatCold@regionofwaterloo.ca
How to receive weather alerts from Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Sign up for email alerts from EC Alert Me
- Download the mobile WeatherCAN app
- View current public weather alerts
- Watch public weather broadcasts/news stations
Additional resources
- Alert Waterloo Region
- Beat the Heat: Tips for Older Adults (Poster)
- Climate Change and Health in Waterloo Region
- Extreme Cold (fact sheet)
- Extreme Cold
- Extreme Heat and Humidity (fact sheet)
- Extreme Heat
- Region of Waterloo Community Services Pocket Card
- Health Checks During Extreme Heat Events: A guide for doing in-person and remote health checks (available in five languages)
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