The City of Toronto is preparing for extreme winter conditions as it opens additional warming centres in time for New Year’s Eve. With harsh weather forecasts, the city aims to provide safe spaces for vulnerable individuals, particularly the homeless.
New Warming Centres for New Year’s Eve
As announced by Toronto Shelter and Support Services, two new warming centres will become operational at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. The sites are:
- Cecil Community Centre – 58 Cecil St.
- Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre – 870 Queen St. E.
Extreme Cold Weather Forecast
The decision to open these centres follows predictions from Environment Canada, which forecasts a low of -15°C. With wind chill factors, the temperature will feel as cold as -20°C overnight. Additionally, there is a 60% chance of flurries with northern winds gusting up to 50 km/h.
Existing Warming Centres
These new centres will supplement five existing warming locations already operational across the city:
- 136 Spadina Rd. (South of Dupont Street)
- 81 Elizabeth St. (Behind City Hall, west of Bay Street, south of Dundas Street W.)
- 349 George St. (East of Jarvis Street, south of Gerrard Street E.)
- 12 Holmes Ave. (Off of Yonge Street, south of Finch Avenue E.)
- 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd. (East of Markham Road, south of Ellesmere Road)
Support for Vulnerable Individuals
The warming centres are designed to offer a warm refuge for those in need. They provide meals, access to washrooms, and referrals to necessary shelter and community services. Walk-ins are welcome, and individuals will be directed to a different centre if their chosen location reaches capacity.
In addition to opening more centres, the city has deployed extra outreach teams across Toronto to assist those requiring help.
