Local groups demand overnight cooling centre as extreme heat grips Kingston

They also want free transportation for those who can’t get there on their own. 

The heat warning may be lifted, but it's still hot. 

That has several local environmental groups calling on the city to open a 24/7 cooling centre. 

Seniors for Climate Action Now, 350Kingston, Kingston Climate Justice Coalition and Just Futures Kingston echo what the South East Health Unit says about the intense heat putting vulnerable people at risk. 

These include seniors, infants, pregnant women, people with chronic or mental health conditions, those with disabilities, outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness.

The groups are asking the City of Kingston to keep at least one cooling centre open all night and to offer free transportation for those who can’t get there on their own. 

They’re also urging the city to pass a bylaw to keep rental unit temperatures below 26°C in summer, with no extra cost to tenants.

They say the time to act is now.

City of Kingston Cooling Centres and Hours

To help residents stay safe during hot weather, the City of Kingston operates several cooling centres at the following locations:

INVISTA Centre – 1350 Gardiners Rd.

Calvin Park Library – 88 Wright Cres.

Cataraqui Centre - 945 Gardiners Rd.

Central Library - 130 Johnson St.

Pittsburgh Library - 80 Gore Rd.

Rideau Heights Library - 85 MacCauley St.

Kingston East Community Centre – 779 Highway 15

Housing & Social Services – 362 Montreal St.

Storage Services: Thurs, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.