During periods of extreme temperatures, such as heat waves and cold snaps, our health and well-being can be at great risk; this is especially true for the most vulnerable members of our community. During extreme weather, the City of Guelph and local service providers open cooling and warming centres as a public health service to offer respite from potentially dangerous temperatures.
Below is a list of facilities in Guelph providing space during extreme hot or cold temperatures. For additional details related to Guelph’s Community Cold Weather Response, including information about where individuals can access shelter and meals, view the 2025-26 Community Cold Weather Response Plan.
Note: City Hall hours may be extended in the event of an Environment Canada-issued extreme weather warning. Please visit the City of Guelph’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads and/or Bluesky for immediate updates on warming/cooling centre hours.
City Hall
1 Carden Street
519-822-1260
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
West End Community Centre
21 Imperial Road South
519-837-5699
Hours of operation
Victoria Road Recreation Centre
151 Victoria Road North
519-837-5699
Hours of operation
Evergreen Seniors Community Centre
683 Woolwich Street
519-837-5699
Hours of operation
Guelph Public Library
Main Library
100 Norfolk Street
519-824-6220
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bullfrog Mall Branch
380 Eramosa Road
519-829-4401
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Scottsdale Centre Branch
650 Scottsdale Drive
519-829-4402
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
West End Branch
21 Imperial Road South
519-829-4403
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.
Westminster Square Branch
100-31 Farley Drive
519-829-4404
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
East Side Branch
1 Starwood Drive
519-829-4405
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Heat warnings
On days when a heat warning is issued, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health advises people to:
- Drink lots of water
- Stay out of the sun
- Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours
- Stay in air-conditioned places
Seniors and young children are particularly at risk during heat and smog-related weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to call or visit family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are okay, especially isolated adults and seniors, who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness.
In addition to using air-conditioned shopping malls and local libraries as places to cool off, City facilities are also open, during regular business hours, during a heat warning for those in need. Cooling centres offer an air-conditioned place to rest indoors.
During a heat warning, pets are allowed in the City’s designated air-conditioned cooling centre buildings under the following conditions:
- be on a leash and under the owner’s control at all times
- owners must clean up after their pets
Pets are not allowed in splash pads, wading pools or swimming pools due to health regulations. Only service dogs are permitted inside the fenced areas of the pools.
For information on pet safety during extreme heat, contact the Guelph Humane Society at 519-824-3091.