The City of Toronto Heat Relief Strategy is the City of Toronto’s protocol for hot weather response. The heat season begins on May 15 and ends on September 30 each year, although there may be occasions where periods of heat fall outside of this range. Since 2000, the Hot Weather Response Coordinating Committee has developed, monitored and continuously improved Toronto’s response to hot weather. Committee members consist of City divisions, agencies and partner organizations who provide direct services as part of the City’s Heat Relief Strategy.

The Heat Relief Strategy is a living document and is reviewed and updated on an annual basis. An electronic version of the plan is provided to Committee members in addition to being posted on the City of Toronto website. It is the responsibility of each Committee member to ensure all those involved in the response are familiar with their current response activities.

The 2024 Heat Relief Strategy outlines the hot weather response activities coordinated by the Hot Weather Response Coordinating Committee, with a focus on providing targeted relief for the most vulnerable populations who have the highest risk of negative health outcomes due to extreme heat.