As temperatures are projected to rise into the 30s next week, coupled with high humidity levels, students in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) will face a challenging end to the school year. Schools without central air conditioning are particularly at risk of creating uncomfortable environments for students and staff.
Concerned parents are voicing their worries about the heat, with some deciding to keep their children at home during this sweltering period. CityNews reached out to multiple school boards in the GTA, all of which confirmed that they have implemented certain measures to manage the hot weather. These measures include utilizing fans, keeping windows open, and turning off non-essential electronic devices such as lights and computers to reduce heat accumulation in classrooms.
One student commented on the discomfort, saying, “It’s really hot, like way too hot. It’s not comfortable, and we have to open the windows all the time.” Another student emphasized the need for personal responsibility, stating, “I think we have to be prepared for it, too. I think as students we have to be prepared and not rely on teachers and the school board to help us cool down.”
The forecast for Monday and Tuesday next week indicates temperatures will reach the mid-30s Celsius, but with humidity considered, it will feel more like the low 40s. Slight cooling is expected by midweek, but the immediate outlook shows no relief from the heat.
According to the Toronto District School Board, approximately 30 percent of its 579 schools are equipped with central air conditioning. The remaining schools either have access to local cooling centers, such as libraries and gyms, or are equipped with smaller air conditioning units. In contrast, the Toronto Catholic District School Board reports that over 80 percent of its 196 schools have air-conditioned facilities. Most of the Catholic schools without built-in air conditioning do have permanent cooling centers located in either the library or gym.
Despite these measures, parents have expressed that the solutions in place are insufficient. One parent remarked, “We need A/C and we need to find more sustainable solutions to this challenge because it’s every year and it’s getting worse and worse.” Another parent, who mentioned having been retired for some time, reflected on the recurring issue of extreme heat during the last week of school and the first week of the new school year, attributing the lack of adequate solutions to funding constraints: “No money. It’s always money.”
In Ontario, school boards do not usually close due to extreme heat unless specifically ordered to do so by the Ministry of Education or the local public health department. Parents retain the discretion to keep their children home from school if they feel it’s necessary. Additionally, those with medical conditions that may be worsened by the heat are encouraged to communicate directly with their respective schools to find appropriate accommodations.
