During days of extreme heat, it is very important that every person has access to a place to stay cool. Emergency Cooling Centres can provide protection for people who are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Conditions during high heat and humidity have the potential to cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in some cases death. Everyone is at risk from exposure to hot temperatures. Some groups are in greater danger of being affected including older adults with chronic illness or who take certain medications, infants and preschool children, people who participate in physical activity, those who work outside for long periods of time, those who do not have air conditioning or easy access to a cool place, and people who are experiencing homelessness.

Cooling Centre Locations

• Mississippi Mills: The Community centres below are typically opened during the summer season from 7:00am–3:00pm (Monday–Friday) and public can check in with the municipality before hand to confirm hours.
  • Almonte: Library and John Levi Community Centre
  • Pakenham: Library and Stewart Community Centre
• Carleton Place:
  • The Carleton Place Public Library and the arena (limited hours) are air-conditioned. The Town also encourages use of the beach and splash pads to stay cool.
  • ConnectWell Community Health (30 Bennett Street): mid June – end of August 2024 (excluding stat holidays) Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:00 pm. Call reception at 613-257-7121 extension 3200
• Gananoque: Gananoque Library (100 Park Street) functions as a cooling centre during opening hours.
• North Grenville Public Library (Kemptville location) during regular hours.
• Merrickville-Wolford: Cooling Centre at Merrickville Community Centre, front lobby (106 Read Street, Merrickville, Ontario) – open Monday to Friday 7:00am–3:30pm
• Perth: Perth & District Union Public Library during regular operating hours Monday/Friday 10:00am–5:00pm, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 10:00am–7:00pm, Saturday 10:00am–4:00pm; Splash pad at Conlon Farm
• Lanark Village: ConnectWell Community Health (207 Robertson Drive): Open to all. Bring a book, a friend, some cards…. mid June – end of August 2024 (excluding stat holidays) Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays 8:00am–7:00pm, Thursdays 8:00am–5:00pm and Fridays 8:00am–4:00pm. Call reception at 613-259-2182 
• Smiths Falls: A designated cooling centre will be made available as needed. The location and time will be shared via social media (Facebook, Instagram) and the town’s website.
• Tay Valley: Maberly Community Hall (180 Maberly Elphin Road): See Township website for hours of operation.
• Town of Prescott: Town Hall (360 Dibble Street West) open Monday to Friday 8:30am–4:30pm. The Town encourages use of the beach and Splash Pad to stay cool.
• Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal: A designated cooling centre will be made available as needed. See their website for dates time and location.
• Township of Rideau Lakes: A designated cooling centre will be made available as needed. The location and time will be shared via website and media release