Weather Wellness
Quick links:
Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces within Cambridge are open to the public, and welcome any individual inside during regular business hours to cool down during extreme heat events or warm up during extreme cold events. For a list of locations and opening hours, please visit the Cooling, Warming and Clean Air Space page hosted by the Region of Waterloo.
Note: There is no expectation of extra amenities or services at these centres above what is regularly provided.
The Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services coordinates the Warming, Cooling and and Clean Air Spaces in the region and posts Centre locations and hours on their webpage:
Extreme Heat
If Environment Canada issues a humidex advisory, we urge you to cool off indoors, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, limit your time in the sun and take other precautions to avoid a heat-related illness.
To see City of Cambridge spray pad hours, please visit the Parks and Facilities page for information on spray pad and outdoor pool hours of operation.
During extreme high temperatures, please call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness, to see if they need help.
Other at-risk groups include people with chronic and pre-existing illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications and those who are marginally housed or homeless.
For more information, visit the Region of Waterloo's website.
The City of Cambridge operations cooling and clean air spaces during operating hours at City Hall and at W.G. Johnson Centre. For more information on all the warming, cooling and clean air spaces visit the Region of Waterloo website.
Air Quality
When Environment and Climate Change Canada and Air Quality Ontario issue air quality alerts, the Region of Waterloo and their partners operation Clean Air Spaces.
People are encouraged to protect their health by understanding air quality and what it means to your health.
Poor air quality can:
- Cause difficulty breathing (coughing and wheezing), headache, dizziness, tiredness
- Irritate eyes, nose and throat
- Aggravate pre-existing illnesses like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or angina
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Some people are more at risk of health problems when exposed to air pollution:
- Older adults
- Pregnant people
- Infants and young children
- People who work outdoors
- People involved in strenuous outdoor exercise
- People with an existing illness or chronic health conditions
For information on the Air Quality Health Index and how you can protect your health, visit the Region of Waterloo website.
The City of Cambridge operations cooling and clean air spaces during operating hours at City Hall and at W.G. Johnson Centre. For more information on all the warming, cooling and clean air spaces visit the Region of Waterloo website.
Extreme Cold
In extreme cold weather, the Region of Waterloo operates climate-controlled facilities that serve as warming spaces for the community. Exposure to cold temperatures can be hazardous to health and potentially life-threatening.
The Region of Waterloo Building serve as a warming centre. For hours of operation, contact facilities directly.
Location:
Region of Waterloo Building (150 Main St)
Anyone can be affected by extreme cold-related weather conditions. Risks are higher for:
- Older adults (over the age of 65)
- Infants and young children
- Outdoor workers
- People planning outdoor sports or activities
- People with chronic illness
- People experiencing homelessness and lacking shelter, warm clothing or food
For more information, visit the Region of Waterloo's website
The City of Cambridge operations warming spaces during operating hours at City Hall and at W.G. Johnson Centre. For more information on all the warming, cooling and clean air spaces visit the Region of Waterloo website.
