Supporting Seniors During Extreme Heat
Help York Region research the impact of extreme heat on our seniors and their wellbeing. The Keeping it Cool project, with funding from Health Canada, is working to reduce the negative health impacts of extreme heat experienced by seniors in York Region and we're looking for input from our residents.
Get Involved
Join a Focus Group
York Region is inviting caregivers of seniors to participate in virtual or in-person focus groups as part of the Keeping it Cool project. These small group discussions will help us understand how caregivers support seniors during extreme heat, the challenges they experience and what could help seniors and caregivers stay safe during hot weather.
Focus groups with seniors have now been completed. Thank you to everyone who participated.
Who Can Participate
- Caregivers (age 18+) of seniors (age 55 +) living in York Region
- Residents who feel comfortable communicating in English
Caregivers may include family members, friends or others who provide unpaid care or support to a senior.
What to Expect
Focus groups will take place in September 2026 and take one to two hours. Depending on participant interest and availability, focus groups may be held virtually using Zoom or in person in York Region. Participants will receive a gift card in appreciation of their time and contribution.
If you are interested in participating, please fill out the Keeping It Cool Focus Group Sign Up form or call 647-461-4646 to speak with Diane Balkaran, the focus group coordinator, Piat Public Health.
The sign-up form will ask about your preference for a virtual or in-person focus group and your availability. We will use this information to schedule upcoming sessions and will contact you with potential dates and times.
Join a Keeping It Cool Focus Group for Caregivers
Take the Online Survey
In September, we will be sharing an online survey for seniors and caregivers. The survey will help us understand how seniors are dealing with extreme heat, what caregivers are doing to support their seniors and challenges they face.
Who Can Participate
- Seniors (age 55+) living in York Region (not currently living in an assisted living facility, such as long-term care)
- Caregivers (age 18+) of seniors living in York Region
The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Anyone who completes the survey can enter a draw to win one of four gift cards.
Keeping It Cool Online Survey
Survey will take place in September 2026.
Project Background
Seniors are among the most at risk for experiencing health impacts from extreme heat. Keeping it Cool: Increasing Resiliency of York Region Seniors to Extreme Heat, is a 3-year project, running from April 2025 to March 2028. Funded by Health Canada through the Climate Change and Health Capacity Building Program, Keeping it Cool is working to reduce the negative health impacts of extreme heat experienced by York Region seniors.
Specifically, the project will include:
- Collecting local data to better understand the impacts of extreme heat on seniors, actions people take and current community resources; this will be done through focus groups, online surveys and interviews with partners
- Developing resources and communications for seniors and caregivers
- Identifying actions that public health and partners could take to further support seniors
Learn More About Climate Change and Extreme Heat
York Region has been working to better understand the local impacts of climate change and health and how our communities can be better prepared. To learn more, visit york.ca/ClimateAndHealth and york.ca/ExtremeHeat.
Contact Us
For any questions about the Keeping It Cool project, email @email or call Access York, at 1-877-464-9675 or dial 711 with a TTY device.
