Extreme heat and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. In cities like Toronto, heatwaves are intensified by pavement and tall buildings which trap heat. Many older high-rise buildings were not designed to handle extended heatwaves. In May 2022, CREW and the Toronto Environmental Alliance launched a new neighbourhood heatwave response project in St James Town.
Community-led Climate Solutions for Vertical Communities
This project meets an essential need in preparing high-rise residents for heatwaves, which are increasing in frequency and put the health of residents at risk. The project shows how impacted high-rise communities can develop and lead climate resilience solutions and support one another through extreme weather events. We collaborated with a diverse group of local volunteers, community organizations and service-providers, and the City of Toronto, to co-create a community-led emergency preparedness and response model for vertical communities
The Heatwave Protocol
This heat wave protocol was developed and tested by TEA, CREW, and a team of volunteers in James Town. Currently, we are testing and training residents to became familiar with the plans and actions for neighbourhood emergency response during a heat wave in five focus areas. Download the protocol.
Learn more about the project: download the project overview.
Volunteers in action in St James Town
More Resources: Temperature Monitoring Calendar
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