Heat and Humidity

To locate a cool space near you, click and zoom to explore this map or enter a street name or a street address. Entering a location in the search box will generate a list of the 20 closest cool spaces. Clicking on any of the icons on the map will provide more information about the cool spaces around the clicked location. The map identifies City of Ottawa public spaces that are available.

Please check the City of Ottawa's website for opening dates, locations, and hours of service of on Ottawa.ca for the following public facilities:

• Splash pads
• Indoor swimming pools
• Parks and green spaces
• Ottawa Public Library current branch services
• Community centres
• Wading pools, beaches and outdoor pools 

See the More Info button for details including hours of operation and if they are accessible. Swimming pools are the only facilities where admission fees apply. 

Not shown on this map are overnight shelters and services for people experiencing homelessness. To assist someone please:

• Call 2-1-1 for locations and access information for shelters in Ottawa.  
• Call 3-1-1 to get assistance for someone who needs transportation to a shelter to get out of the heat. 

Barrhaven

• Minto Recreation Complex — 3500 Cambrian Rd — 613-727-2683
• Walter Baker Sports Centre — 100 Malvern Dr — 613-580-2788
• Ottawa Public Library Ruth E. Dickinson Branch — 100 Malvern — 613-580-2940

Beaverbrook

• John G. Mlacak Centre — 2500 Campeau Dr — 613-580-2980
• Ottawa Public Library Beaverbrook Branch — 2500 Campeau — 613-580-2940

Bridlewood

• Eva James Community Centre — 65 Stonehaven Dr — 613-580-2442

Britannia

• Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre — 102 Greenview Ave — 613-828-4313

Carleton Heights

• Carleton Heights Community Centre — 1665 Apeldoorn Ave — 613-226-2208

Carlingwood

• Ottawa Public Library Carlingwood Branch — 281 Woodroffe — 613-580-2940

Carp

• Ottawa Public Library Carp Branch — 3911 Carp Rd — 613-580-2940

Centrepointe

• Ottawa Public Library Nepean Centrepointe Branch — 101 Centrepointe — 613-580-2940

Constance Bay

• Ottawa Public Library Constance Bay Branch — 262 Len Purcell Dr — 613-580-2940

Emerald Plaza / Merivale

• Ottawa Public Library Emerald Plaza Branch — 1547 Merivale — 613-580-2940

Fitzroy Harbour

• Ottawa Public Library Fitzroy Harbour Branch — 100 Clifford Campbell — 613-580-2940

Goulbourn / Stittsville area

• CardelRec Recreation Complex (Goulbourn) — 1500 Shea Rd — 613-580-2532

Hazeldean

• Ottawa Public Library Hazeldean Branch — 50 Castlefrank — 613-580-2940

Kanata / Katimavik area

• Kanata Leisure & Wave Pool — 70 Aird Place — 613-580-9677

Kanata North

• Richcraft Recreation Complex - Kanata — 4101 Innovation Dr — 613-580-9696

Manotick

• Ottawa Public Library Manotick Branch — 5499 South River Dr — 613-580-2940

Michele Heights

• Michele Heights Community Centre — 2955 Michèle Dr — 613-828-5100

Munster

• Ottawa Public Library Munster Branch — 7749 Bleeks — 613-580-2940

Nepean / Woodroffe area

• Nepean Sportsplex — 1701 Woodroffe Ave — 613-580-2828

North Gower

• Ottawa Public Library North Gower Branch — 6579 Fourth Line Rd — 613-580-2940

Old Richmond Road / Centennial area

• Ottawa Public Library Centennial Branch — 2870 Old Richmond Rd — 613-580-2940

Pinecrest / Iris area

• Pinecrest Recreation Complex — 2250 Torquay Ave — 613-580-9676

Richmond

• Ottawa Public Library Richmond Branch — 6240 Perth St — 613-580-2940

Stittsville

• Ottawa Public Library Stittsville Branch — 1637 Stittsville Main St — 613-580-294

Wellington West / Hintonburg / Wellington Village

• Wellington Street Seniors Centre — 1137 Wellington St — 613-728-6016
• Hintonburg Community Centre — 1064 Wellington St — 613-580-9836
• Ottawa Public Library – Rosemount Branch — 18 Rosemount Ave — 613-580-2940
• Parkdale United Church — 429 Parkdale Ave — 613-728-8656

Westboro

• Churchill Senior Recreation Centre — 345 Richmond Rd — 613-798-8927

Carlington

• Alexander Community Centre — 960 Silver St — 613-798-8978

West Centretown / Somerset / Preston

• Plant Recreation Centre — 930 Somerset St West — 613-232-3000
• Somerset West Community Health Centre — 55 Eccles St — 613-238-8210
• Ottawa Innercity Ministries — 391 Gladstone Ave — 613-237-6031

Centretown (Bronson • Bank • Lisgar • Percy)

• Belong Ottawa at St. Luke’s Table (Mon–Fri) — 211 Bronson Ave — 613-238-4193
• Centre 507 — 507 Bank St — 613-233-5626
• Knox Presbyterian Church — 120 Lisgar St — 613-238-4774
• McNabb Community Centre — 180 Percy St — 613-564-1070
• Jack Purcell Community Centre — 320 Jack Purcell Ln — 613-580-9848
• Belong Ottawa at The Well — 275 Elgin St — 613-594-8861
• Ottawa Public Library – Main Library — 120 Metcalfe St — 613-580-2940

Downtown / Centretown East

• Operation Come Home — 150 Gloucester St — 613-230-4663

Glebe

• Glebe Community Centre — 175 Third Ave — 613-564-1058

Old Ottawa South (Bank / Sunnyside / Aylmer)

• Ottawa South Community Centre — 260 Sunnyside Ave — 613-247-4946
• Ottawa Public Library – Sunnyside Branch — 1049 Bank St — 613-580-2940

Albion-Heatherington

Three steps to cost-effective apartment and condo heat protection

Download our infographic on cost-effective ways to protect your residence for apartment and condo heat protection (pdf - 272 KB)

Step 1: Plan ahead to keep cool

Do-it-yourself, $0

• Help neighbours, family, friends prepare and arrange to check on them during heat events.
• Pay attention to heat alerts on the radio, or TV and download the WeatherCan app on your phone.
• Close blinds and curtains during the day.
• Open windows at night once the outdoor air is cooler than the indoor air.
• Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/BeatTheHeat to find other places to cool off.

Step 2: Complete simple upgrades

Do-it-yourself, for under $250

• Green your balcony or deck with potted or hanging plants.
• Place tall plants with large leaves near light-facing windows.
• Weather-strip doors and windows to keep cool air inside.
• Install blinds, heat-resistant curtains, or films on windows.
• Use portable or ceiling fans that increase air circulation.

Step 3: Complete more complex upgrades

With building managers, for over $250

• Install temperature and humidity monitors or controls.
• Paint unit walls with white paint or light colours.
• Shade windows with outdoor shutters and awnings.
• Install windows and doors that let less heat in.
• Install and maintain a heat pump (which provides heating and cooling) or an air conditioning unit.

Three steps to cost-effective home heat protection

Download our infographic on cost-effective ways to protect your residence for home heat protection (pdf - 352 KB)

Step 1: Plan ahead to keep cool

Do-it-yourself, $0

• Help neighbours, family, friends prepare and arrange to check on them during heat events.
• Pay attention to heat alerts on the radio, or TV and download the WeatherCan app on your phone.
• Close blinds and curtains during the day.
• Open windows at night when it's cooler.
• Arrange to work or sleep in cooler rooms (e.g., basement).
• Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/BeatTheHeat to find other places to cool off.

Step 2: Complete simple upgrades

Do-it-yourself, for under $250

• Plant and maintain shade trees, especially along south, east, and west-facing walls.
• Green your balcony or deck with potted or hanging plants.
• Weather-strip doors and windows to keep cool air inside.
• Install blinds, heat-resistant curtains, or films on windows.
• Use portable or ceiling fans that increase air circulation.

Step 3: Complete more complex upgrades

Work with a contractor, for over $250

• Convert paved areas to vegetation which absorbs less heat and more water.
• Install a green (vegetated) or reflective roof.
• Add or improve your roof/attic insulation to keep your home cool.
• Shade windows with outdoor shutters and awnings.
• Install windows and doors that let less heat in.
• Install and maintain a heat pump (which provides heating and cooling) or an air conditioning unit.

When both temperature and humidity are high, it can be hard for our bodies to keep cool and not overheat. Extreme heat events can cause heat-related illnesses and in some cases, even death. Environment and Climate Change Canada issues heat warnings for Ottawa based on a forecast of:

• Daytime temperature of 31ºC or higher and nighttime temperature not cooler than 20ºC for at least two days, or a Humidex of 40 for at least two days.

Download the WeatherCAN app to get direct notification of heat and other extreme weather warnings to your phone.

Who is at risk?

Heat warnings mean extra precautions need to be taken by everyone. People at even higher risk of getting sick from the heat include:

• infants and young children;
• older adults;
• pregnant people;
• those who work or exercise outdoors;
• those with pre-existing health conditions;
• people experiencing homelessness; and
• people without access to air conditioning.

It is important to think ahead and plan for ways to stay cool and keep in touch with others who may have difficulty staying cool, especially during a heat warning.

Please check the City of Ottawa's website for opening dates, locations, and hours of service for the following public facilities:

• Splash pads
• Indoor swimming pools
• Parks and green spaces
• Ottawa Public Library current branch services
• Community centres
• Wading pools, beaches and outdoor pools 

Protect yourself and help others during hot weather

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Avoid heavy outdoor activity.
• Wear a hat, light and loose-fitting clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses when outside.
• Bring a parasol or an umbrella and water when leaving home in case you need to wait outdoors in the heat, such as waiting in a lineup.
• Cool off in an air-conditioned space when available including malls, museums, libraries, and movie theatres.
• Cool off in the shade or at a park or green space.
• Use a fan and mist your skin with water.
• Take cool baths and showers as often as needed or soak hands or feet in cool water.
• Breastfeed according to your child’s cues and drink plenty of water if you are breastfeeding. See our Parenting in Ottawa website for more info on keeping children safe during hot weather.
• Keep your home cool by closing blinds and curtains on any windows facing the sun.
• Open windows at night once the outdoor air is cooler than the indoor air; close windows in the morning before hotter air comes in.
• Use fans at night to help exhaust warm indoor air and/or bring in cool outdoor air.
• Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you are taking medications as some can make it harder to control body temperature.
• Stay connected with people in your community who may have a difficult time coping with hot weather and those who live alone. Check on them regularly.
• For people wearing a mask and undertaking physical exertion in heat, a mask can make the effort more difficult. Decreasing intensity and volume of work, more frequent rests, and more cooling breaks may be necessary. Discuss your health needs with your employer if your work demands will expose you to the heat.

Download our Beat the Heat factsheet (pdf - 422 KB)

• Call 2-1-1 for program information about and locations of drop in centres and shelters, community and health resource centres, food banks and community food programs and financial assistance with utilities. This service is provided by Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario.   
• Call 3-1-1 to get referred to the best available shelter, or to get assistance for someone who needs transportation to get out of the heat. The City's 3-1-1 Line is available to respond to calls 24 hours a day. Calls are answered by the City of Ottawa Call Centre on a priority basis and referred to appropriate service providers.
• Call 8-1-1 Health Connect Ontario for non-emergency medical advice.
• Call 9-1-1 for medical emergency assistance such as heat stroke.

Heat illnesses are preventable. Extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. High temperatures can put everyone at risk, but health risks are greatest for:

• infants and young children
• older adults
• people who are pregnant
• those who work or exercise outdoors
• those with pre-existing health conditions
• people experiencing homelessness
• people without access to air conditioning 

Prevent heat related illnesses

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, preferably water and limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity.
• Limit or avoid direct exposure to the sun.
• Dress in light and loose-fitting clothing and wear a hat with ventilation holes when in the sun.
• Look for shade or a cool shelter in an air-conditioned location if available.
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows open.
• If you don’t have air conditioning but have one or more large fans:
  • When the outside air is cooler than inside, use a fan in or next to a window to bring in the cooler air from outside, especially from a window on the shaded side of the building. If a second fan is available, use it to blow air out of the home through a different window to help move cooler air throughout the home.
  • If you only have one fan but want cooler outside air to come in to more than one room, open windows in each of the rooms and use the fan to blow air out of a window in another room or hallway – air will be drawn into the home through the other open windows.
  • When it is hotter outside than inside, keep the windows closed and shaded and use a fan to blow air at yourself. Drink lots of fluids so you perspire normally – the sweat evaporates more quickly with air moving over it to help cool you off. Please note this may not be enough when the humidity is very high, it is very hot, or your body doesn’t produce enough sweat – in these situations you may have to seek a cool shelter.
• Breastfeeding babies/children should be fed following the child’s cues. Nursing mothers should keep hydrated in order to produce a sufficient amount of milk.
• Take frequent cool showers or baths. If you cannot shower or bath easily, sponge often with cool wet towels. Focus on cooling the back of the neck, under the arms and groin area.
• Soak feet and hands in a basin of cool water. 
• Stay connected with people in your community who have a difficult time coping with hot weather and those who live alone and check on them regularly.

Heat, air pollution and sun safety

High air-pollution and UV index levels often occur during hot weather conditions. People with breathing and heart problems, and parents and caregivers of children, should pay attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index. Visit our Outdoor Air Pollution web page for more informaiton.

Check the UV index forecast daily at theweathernetwork.com, weather.gc.ca or in the local media. Choose a sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF lip balm. 

Additional information

Check out more resources on our website on outdoor air quality, sun safety, and water safety. Our Parenting in Ottawa website has information about keeping children safe during hot weather and the Ontario Ministry of Labour has information on managing heat stress in the workplace. 

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Sign up for weather advisories 

You can now get official weather forecasts and alerts straight to your phone with WeatherCAN, Environment Canada’s new weather application. This app will let you know when a heat warning or other extreme weather is forecast for our region. Download the WeatherCan app now! 

During heat waves, thunderstorms or a high demand for electricity may result in power outages in your home - affecting your access to air conditioning or electrical fans. Extreme heat is hard on our bodies, which are not acclimatized to hot conditions. Exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.

Take the following measures to both prepare for and cope with extreme heat during a summer power outage.

Prepare for hot weather to prevent heat-related illness and death. Our bodies take about two weeks to get used to sudden spikes in temperature. That is how people in hot climates and outdoor workers can tolerate extreme heat while others cannot. Children, the elderly and the chronically ill are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat.

Make sure that you and those you care for do not suffer unnecessarily during hot weather events. Check on those who may need help accessing air conditioning, such as the elderly and chronically ill, especially those who live in high-rise buildings. Watch for signs of

• dehydration
• heat exhaustion
• heat stroke
• sunburn

Dehydration

Dehydration is caused by the excessive loss of water and salts from the body due to illness or from prolonged exposure to heat. City of Ottawa Paramedics would like to remind you that severe dehydration can easily become a life-threatening condition for infants and the elderly.

Causes:

• Severe sweating
• Extreme heat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Certain medication can cause the body to lose water, and, if not replenished, can accelerate the onset of dehydration

Preventing dehydration:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day - more when sweating
• Avoid strenuous work or sports activities during the intense sunlight hours from 10 am to 3 pm

What to look for:

• Thirst
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Light headedness
• Confusion
• Dry mouth (mucous membranes)
• Increased heart rate
• Increased breathing rate
• Less frequent urination

Treatment:

• Move the person to a cool and dry place
• Have the person lie down and rest
• Have person drink fluids such as water, juice or sports drinks
• Monitor the person - especially children and the elderly

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a non-life-threatening condition caused by the excessive loss of water and salts from the body due to prolonged exposure to extreme heat. City of Ottawa Paramedics remind you that continued exposure may lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Young children and the elderly are most susceptible to heat exhaustion.

Causes:

• Prolonged exposure to extreme heat
• Loss of body water and salts - usually through sweating
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Certain illnesses will also cause heat exhaustion

Preventing heat exhaustion:

• Keep cool - take frequent breaks when working or playing outdoors in extreme heat
• Wear light-coloured clothes and hat - they reflect heat from the sun
• Avoid strenuous work or sport activities during the intense sunlight hours from 10 am to 3 pm
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, preferable water. 100% juice or sports drinks also help to keep you hydrated. 

What to look for:

• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Sluggishness or fatigue
• Thirst
• Profuse sweating
• Moderate increase in body temperature

Treatment:

• Move the person to a cool and dry place
• Have the person lie down and rest
• Apply cool water to skin and reapply often
• Fan the wet skin
• Have person drink fluids such as water, juice or sports drinks (Gatorade™)
• Apply ice to head, neck, armpits and groin areas
• If the person is showing signs of heat stroke call 9-1-1 immediately

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition. City of Ottawa Paramedics would like to remind you to seek immediate medical attention if you, or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot cool itself, usually by sweating and the internal (core) temperature of the body becomes too high. Children, seniors, outdoor workers and sports enthusiasts are most susceptible to heat stroke.

Causes:

• The inability of the body to cool itself after prolonged exposure to extreme heat

Preventing heat stroke:

• Keep cool - take frequent breaks when working or playing outdoors in extreme heat
• Wear light-coloured clothes and hat - they reflect heat from the sun
• Avoid strenuous work or sports activities during the intense sunlight hours from 10 am to 3 pm
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day such as water, 100% fruit juice or sports drinks 
• Do not drink caffeinated drinks or alcoholic beverages - they accelerate the effects of heat stroke

What to look for:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Disorientation, agitation or confusion
• Sluggishness or fatigue
• Seizures
• Hot dry skin
• Increased body (inner) temperature
• Loss of consciousness
• Rapid heart beat
• Hallucinations

Treatment:

• Call 9-1-1 immediately - heat stroke can be deadly
• Move the person to a cool and dry place
• Apply cool water to skin and reapply often
• Fan the wet skin
• Apply ice to head, neck, armpits and groin areas

• Download the Ottawa Public Health Beat the Heat factsheet (pdf - 6 MB)

  • French - Beat the Heat factsheet (pdf - 6 MB)
  • Arabic - Beat the Heat factsheet (pdf - 6 MB)
  • Somali - Beat the Heat factsheet (pdf - 6 MB) 
  • Nepalese - Beat the Heat factsheet (pdf - 6 MB) 
  • Simplified Chinese - Beat the Heat factsheet (pdf - 7 MB) 
  • Spanish - Beat the Heat factsheet (pdf - 6 MB)  
  • Punjabi - Beat the Heat factsheet (pdf - 6 MB) 
  • Turkish - Beat the Heat factsheet (pdf - 6 MB) 

If there is a place to cool off near you that you would like to let people know about, you can download and print the Places to cool off poster, add the address and post it where others can see it.

• Printable Places to Cool Off poster with QR Code - Bilingual (pdf - 148 KB)

• Health Canada's web page on Extreme heat events: How to protect yourself from the health effects of extreme heat
• National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health webpage - Health checks during extreme heat events (also available in Chinese (Traditional and Simplified) and Punjabi)
• Video: Staying healthy in the heat