It’s Cold Out There! But Toronto Has Got Your Back with a Warm Room and a Hot Meal

Mother Nature never ceases to surprise us! This winter storm, which arrives before winter officially begins in Ontario, is quite unusual.

Unfortunately, those caught out in the cold are among the most vulnerable members of our community. They are simply looking for shelter, a hot meal, and a warm bed. Starting this evening, the City of Toronto will be providing that to those in need.

According to Toronto’s online portal, five warming centres will open as temperatures are expected to drop below -5°C.

The centres will open at 5 p.m. and will remain accessible 24 hours a day throughout the week. Services include hot meals, washrooms, and referrals to other shelters and community services if no space is available for new intakes.

The City also wants its residents to know that there is no need to call Central Intake before arriving at a centre; walk-ins are welcome.

Please note: All five centres are open to adults of all genders. Some of them are accessible. The following table provides accessibility information for each centre.

LOCATIONS –

Centre #1: 81 Elizabeth St., Toronto, ON M5G 1P4.

Intersection: Behind City Hall, west of Bay St., south of Dundas St. W.

Approximate Capacity: 75  

Details: Pet-friendly, showers

Accessibility: Permanent ramp on the west side of the building, automatic door opener, wheelchair-accessible washroom, and shower with grab bars. Resting spaces are located on the ground floor.

Centre #2: 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd., Toronto, ON M1G 1J6

Intersection: East of Markham Rd., south of Ellesmere Rd.

Approximate Capacity: 68  

Details: Pet-friendly

Accessibility: Permanent ramp on the south (front) side of the building, automatic door opener, wheelchair-accessible washroom, and shower with grab bars. Resting spaces are located on the ground floor.

Centre #3: 136 Spadina Rd., Toronto, ON M5R 2T8  

Intersection: Spadina Rd., south of Dupont St.

Approximate Capacity: 22  

Details: Pet-friendly, showers

Accessibility: Lift on the north side of the building. Please use the intercom when you arrive, and the staff will operate the lift. A wheelchair-accessible washroom with grab bars is available on the first floor, as needed.

Centre #4: 349 George St., Toronto, ON M5A 2N2  

Intersection: East of Jarvis St., south of Gerrard St. E.

Approximate Capacity: 30  

Details: Pet-friendly; not accessible.

Centre #5: 12 Holmes Ave., North York, ON M2N 4L8  

Intersection: Off Yonge St., south of Finch Ave. E.

Approximate Capacity: 46  

Details: Pet-friendly; not accessible.

Weather Alert for Southern Ontario:

Southern Ontario is forecast to experience significant winter weather this weekend, with snow squall warnings and up to 50 cm of snow expected in some areas.

Travel Advisories:

Travel conditions are anticipated to be treacherous, with potential whiteout conditions due to heavy snow and wind gusts reaching up to 80 km/h. Road closures are possible, and drivers are advised to avoid travel unless necessary.