At times during the year, Toronto experiences days of extreme heat that can prompt Environment Canada to issue Heat Advisories. These temperatures can and do have an impact on students and staff.
Do TDSB schools have air conditioning?
Out of the TDSB’s 582 schools, 177 were designed and built with central air conditioning systems. In recent years, large air conditioning units have been installed to create cooling centres in the libraries or gymnasiums at 243 additional schools. The remaining schools have smaller air conditioning units that provide cooling to libraries.
How do schools without air conditioning manage the heat?
During warmer temperatures, there are several actions that schools, and staff can take to manage the heat and keep schools, classrooms and students as comfortable as possible, including:
- Using fans to provide air movement, where possible.
- Keeping lights and computers turned off, where possible.
- Keeping doors and windows open.
- Rotating staff and students into cooler areas, air conditioned areas or cooling centres within the school, where available.
- Encouraging students to drink water.
- Reducing strenuous activities, including gym and sports activities.
Students with a particular susceptibility to heat or medical concerns should speak with staff, who will do their best to accommodate.
Why can’t all schools have air conditioning?
The cost to install complete building air conditioning at all schools that don’t currently have it would reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars – not to mention the added maintenance, replacement, and operational costs. As a result, the installation of full building air conditioning at all remaining schools is not financially possible – especially given that the TDSB currently faces a repair backlog of approximately $4.2 billion.
Why don’t TDSB schools close during extreme heat?
This decision would put thousands of parents across Toronto in a challenging position of having to find childcare with very short notice — something we know will not be possible in every case. It’s with that in mind that the TDSB and other school boards across Ontario do not typically close schools due to heat. As always, parents may also choose to keep their children at home during extreme weather.
Are there any resources available with regards to sun and heat safety?
Yes, there are. There is plenty of information on beating the heat, including heat and sun safety tips, along with learning materials for teachers and parents. View more info on these Extreme Heat Resources.
How are decisions made for school recess being inside or out?
From time to time, it is necessary to hold indoor recess or a shortened recess due to inclement weather (rain, extreme cold or heat, severe icy conditions). This decision is typically made at the school-level depending on local conditions which can vary widely across the city; however in some cases, a board-wide directive may be issued.
How can school activities be affected by weather?
Outdoor school activities such as sports practices/games may be cancelled due to severe weather. These decisions are typically made on a school-by-school basis; however in cases where board-wide activities and programs are cancelled, this will be communicated on the TDSB website and social media.