Heat and smoke relief stations open in Brampton as heatwave continues

Brampton is under another heat warning with poor air quality due to wildfire smoke, leading the city to open emergency relief locations across the city.

The heat warning stretched into Wednesday with expected daytime highs near 30 C, feeling more like between 36 C with the humidity.

Smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario is also causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility across the province, with conditions expected to linger until at least Friday morning.

Temperatures are expected to drop to around 20 C overnight, but Brampton residents can get a break from the heat and smoke during the day at relief stations opened in all public access buildings.

That includes libraries, Brampton City Hall, and recreation centres.

Extended Heat Warning is in effect for #Brampton! ☀️

Cool off at:

📚 @BramptonLibrary or #Brampton public access buildings
💦 Any recreation centre, splash pad or outdoor pool

Reminder to never leave pets or vulnerable people in the car. 🚫

For more tips, follow… pic.twitter.com/QmDRfaagmN

— City of Brampton (@CityBrampton) July 14, 2026

Smoke

Environment Canada warns the heat and smoke pose health risks for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with an illness or chronic health condition, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.

Smoke symptoms include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.

The city says to limit time spent outdoors when smoke levels are high, reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities, and to keep windows and doors closed when possible.

Heat

Environment Canada says to watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others.

Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone around you is showing signs of red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness.

“Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids,” the weather agency says.

Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside. Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.

Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority.