A new data set released by La Presse and examined by reporter Valérie Simard shows that 164 primary and secondary schools on the island of Montreal are situated within urban heat‑island zones. The findings were published on Monday, August 31, 2026, and place roughly one‑third of the city’s schools in areas that experience higher temperatures than surrounding neighborhoods.
Urban heat islands form when dense concentrations of pavement, concrete and a lack of tree cover trap heat, causing surface temperatures to rise above those of less built‑up surroundings. In Montreal, neighborhoods with extensive asphalt and limited greenery create localized hot spots that persist throughout the day and night, especially during heat‑wave conditions.
The presence of schools within these hotter zones means that students are more likely to encounter elevated indoor and outdoor temperatures during the school day. Higher ambient heat can affect classroom comfort, increase reliance on cooling systems, and amplify the health risks associated with extreme weather, particularly for vulnerable children.
The data set does not provide performance metrics, but it highlights a spatial pattern that aligns with broader concerns about environmental inequality. Areas with fewer trees and more paved surfaces often correspond to lower‑income districts, suggesting that the thermal environment may compound existing disparities in educational settings across the island.
Officials and planners can use the information to target greening projects, shade structures or cooling measures at schools identified within heat‑island zones, aiming to reduce temperature differentials and improve conditions for students citywide.