Daniel Gagnon, a researcher with the EPIC Centre at the Montreal Heart Institute, spoke to CBC Montreal on Tuesday, July 5, 2026, about a new study that outlines how the city can manage increasingly hot weather. He said the research identifies practical steps that communities can take to reduce the health risks associated with higher temperatures and to strengthen overall resilience.
The EPIC Centre, which focuses on cardiovascular health and related environmental factors, has been examining a range of adaptation measures that could be applied across Montreal. Gagnon explained that the study’s findings are intended to guide municipal planners, health officials and local organisations as they prepare for a climate where heat waves become more frequent and intense.
According to Gagnon, the research emphasizes the importance of coordinated action at the neighborhood level, noting that effective adaptation depends on both infrastructure improvements and public awareness. He added that the centre’s work builds on existing knowledge about heat‑related health impacts and seeks to translate that knowledge into actionable policies.
The timing of the briefing reflects growing concern among public‑health professionals about the city’s capacity to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat events. By presenting the study’s conclusions now, Gagnon hopes to encourage the implementation of strategies before temperatures rise further.
While the report does not prescribe a single solution, it highlights the need for a multi‑sectoral approach that includes urban planning, health services and community engagement. Gagnon indicated that the EPIC Centre will continue to monitor the effectiveness of any measures adopted and will update its recommendations as new data become available.
The presentation to CBC Montreal marks a step toward broader public discussion about how Montreal can adapt to a warming climate. Officials and community groups are expected to consider the study’s recommendations as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health in the face of rising heat.
The EPIC Centre’s research underscores a proactive stance, aiming to equip the city with tools that can mitigate the health impacts of hotter summers and ensure that residents remain safe and healthy as climate conditions evolve.