July 09, 2023

How the record heat waves are affecting Canada’s homeless population

topic:	Climate Change
located:	Canada
editor:	Karan Anand

On Monday, Environment Canada, the country's weather agency, issued heatwave warnings for large parts of Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.  Although famous for its harsh winters, summers in Canada have become severe over the past decade, with temperature touching mid-30 degree Celsius during the days. 

The 2021 western heat dome was to-date the deadliest extreme weather event in Canada’s history, resulting in the death of 619 people in British Columbia. During the heat dome, Western Canada experienced temperatures 20°C above the normal, with Lytton in BC experiencing Canada’s highest temperature ever at 49.6°C. 

The biggest impact of these extreme weather events can be seen among the most vulnerable, especially Canada’s rising homeless population. It is estimated that there are somewhere between 150,000 and 300,000 homeless people in Canada as of 2023, and the number has been increasing steadily. Among these, between 25,000 and 35,000 people sleep on the streets on any given night. 

The consequences of heatwaves on homeless people in Canada are often ignored. “The same way we accept, as a human right, that people will have warmth and comfort in the winter, we have to start thinking about access to being cool in the summer,” said Blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre of Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo. 

Experts have even claimed that extreme heat is just as dangerous for homeless people as extreme cold is during winters. A 2022 report on heatwaves in Canada declared that “not all Canadians will be affected in the same way” and the urban homeless population is at greater risk due to the “urban heat island effect”. According to this, urban areas are warmer than rural areas by 3-5°C as the concrete structures present across cities absorb and retain more heat. 

Homeless individuals lack access to adequate shelter, air conditioning, and clean drinking water, leaving them susceptible to heat-related illnesses which include heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory problems. Moreover, homelessness often coincides with limited access to healthcare, social exclusion and pre-existing health conditions, amplifying the risks posed by extreme heat events. 

Experts have suggested several measures to help mitigate the impact of extreme heat events. The immediate response should involve establishing temporary shelters and cooling centres to provide relief for homeless individuals. These facilities must be adequately equipped with air conditioning, water and medical assistance to ensure the well-being of those seeking refuge from extreme temperatures.

Until 2019, Toronto had several designated cooling centres spread across the city. However, the city then adopted the Heat Relief Network Strategy, replacing cooling centres with ‘designated cooling spaces’, which include malls, swimming pools and libraries among others. Community leaders have described these spaces as “ill-equipped and inaccessible” as most of these places do not welcome homeless people. 

Community outreach teams should be established which proactively assist homeless individuals during heatwaves. Initiatives like distributing water, sunscreen take place regularly. These outreach teams should also organise campaigns to raise awareness and sensitise people about the challenges faced by homeless individuals during extreme weather events. 

Lastly, urban development should take place keeping in mind how extreme weather events can potentially harm the homeless population. Urban planning should prioritise green spaces, shade structures, and cooling infrastructure in areas heavily frequented by the homeless. Incorporating climate-resilient design principles into housing and infrastructure can also help mitigate the effects of extreme weather, be it cold or hot.

Image by Craig Manners

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