07/13/2026
Please share. You never know who this might help ๐ฅตโ๏ธ STAY SAFE, STAY COOL DURHAM, CLARINGTON & NORTHUMBERLAND! โ๏ธ๐ฅต
With Environment Canada issuing active heat warnings across our communities, it is vital to ensure our vulnerable, elderly, and unhoused neighbours know where to find relief. Please save, share, or tag someone who needs this information!
Here is a list of open locations and emergency support contacts to escape the extreme heat:
๐ CLARINGTON & BOWMANVILLE
Public Libraries & Rec Centres: All municipal library branches (including Bowmanville Library at 163 Church St.) and active recreation complexes function as daytime cooling spaces during regular operational hours.
Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex: Offers a Free Shower Program providing a clean space, towels, soap, clothing, snacks, and support resource referrals.
Daytime Community Support: The John Howard Society (132 Church St.) provides a safe, climate-controlled environment and community service referrals.
๐ DURHAM REGION
Pickering: Chestnut Hill Developments Rec Complex serves as an official cooling center with extra seating and water stations in the lobby (leashed, well-controlled pets are welcome!).
Oshawa, Whitby, & Ajax: Community centres, public libraries, and municipal halls across these sectors operate as daytime cooling locations during business hours.
Durham Street Outreach: If you see someone struggling in the heat or needing a safe space, reach out to the 24/7 Regional Outreach Team at [email protected] or call 905-666-6239 ext. 5510 for transportation support.
๐ NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
Cobourg Relief Spaces:
Victoria Hall (8:30 AM โ 8:00 PM)
Cobourg Public Library (10:00 AM โ 5:00 PM)
Cobourg Community Centre (7:00 AM โ 11:00 PM)
Port Hope Relief Spaces: Available during regular operational hours at the Jack Burger Sports Complex, Town Park Recreation Centre, and the Mary J. Benson Branch of the Port Hope Public Library.
๐ NEED IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY INFORMATION?
Call 2-1-1 or visit 211 Ontario for real-time updates on extended facility hours, pop-up cooling shelters, and local community meal programs.
Check the Municipality of Clarington Homelessness Services or the Durham Region Heat Relief Support portal for sudden scheduling changes.
Let's look out for one another. Check in on your neighbors, keep pets off hot pavement, and drink plenty of water! ๐ง
