Stay cool, Kawartha Lakes: Heat safety tips and places to cool off

Kawartha Lakes – Hot weather can be dangerous for people and pets, especially young children, older adults, and anyone spending a lot of time outdoors.

The City is committed to helping residents and visitors stay safe during periods of extreme heat. One way we do this is by sharing information about extreme heat alerts issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

Stay informed during extreme heat

During the warmer months, ECCC will issue Heat Warnings when conditions are expected to pose a risk to health and safety.

New for 2026, ECCC has introduced a new colour-coded heat warning system. Heat events are now classified by Yellow (Moderate Impact), Orange (High Impact), or Red (Extreme Impact) Heat Warnings. These will help residents better understand the level of risk and take appropriate precautions.

Yellow Warning (Moderate Impact)

• • Increased risk of heat-related illness
  • People spending time outdoors and vulnerable individuals may be affected
  • Residents should take precautions and stay informed

Orange Warning (High Impact)

• • Higher risk of heat-related illness
  • People may need to reduce outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day
  • Vulnerable individuals may require additional support and monitoring
  • Residents should limit outdoor activity and stay cool

Red Warning (Extreme Impact)

• • Extreme risk of heat-related illness or death
  • Anyone spending time outdoors is at increased risk
  • Major disruptions to transportation, infrastructure and essential services are possible
  • Residents should take immediate precautions and follow emergency guidance

These warnings are usually shared 18 to 24 hours before the heat event begins. The City will issue news releases and social media updates during Red Warnings that require the activation of cooling centres.

You can also view all heat warnings and/or subscribe to receive notifications through these monitoring sources:

• Environment Canada Weather Alerts
• WeatherCAN App
• EC Alert Me
• Lakelands Public Health Extreme Temperature and Poor Outdoor Air Quality notifications

Places to cool down in Kawartha Lakes

Looking for a cool place to visit during hot weather? Check out these local options:

• Public Swimming at the Lindsay Recreation Complex and the Forbert Memorial Pool in Bobcaygeon.
• Splash pads at Tommy Anderson Park (Bobcaygeon), Garnet Graham Park (Fenelon Falls), Elgin Park (Lindsay) and Logie Park (Lindsay). Splash pads are open daily from 10am to 8pm.
• The BGC Kawarthas splash pad at 107 Lindsay Street South in Lindsay is open to the public on weekends and holidays from 10am to 5pm in the summer.  
• Public Skating at the Lindsay Recreation Complex.
• All Kawartha Lakes Public Library branches are air conditioned. Residents are welcome to drop in any time during open hours to cool down and enjoy everything our libraries have to offer.
• Public beaches across Kawartha Lakes. Check Lakelands Public Health’s Beach Water Monitoring page prior to jumping in!

Cooling centres

Cooling centres may be opened during Red Warnings when conditions warrant.

If needed, a cooling centre will be available at the Lindsay Recreation Complex and/or the Coboconk Service Centre. Watch our website and social media channels for updates on hours and availability.

Enjoy local events while staying cool

Communities across Kawartha Lakes host events and activities throughout the summer. Many downtown areas are close to parks, beaches, splash pads, and other places to cool off. View the events calendar on our website to learn more.

You can also subscribe to our events calendar to stay up-to-date on everything that’s happening throughout the municipality. 

Heat safety tips

During extremely hot and humid weather, remember to:

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed or parked vehicle
• Drink lots of water even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Stay in the shade or indoors as much as possible
• Check in regularly with family members, neighbours, friends and others who may be more vulnerable to heat
• Take regular breaks if you work outdoors
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
• Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity during the hottest part of the day

Learn more about how to protect yourself from extreme heat on the Lakelands Public Health website: www.lakelandsph.ca/heat