The heatwave that began June 30 is being blamed as the probable cause behind the deaths of 53 people in Montreal - 19 more than initially reported.
The city's public health department has released its premilinary report.
After a more detailed analysis, the Montreal public health department said it found that 19 more people likely died due to the heatwave between June 30 and July 7.
Of the 53 victims, eight died in private seniors homes and four in rooming houses.
Dr. David Kaiser said they still have to factor in hospital deaths linked to the heat so the deathtoll will likely go up.
"But based on our experience of 2010, it probably won't go up by much," said Kaiser.
"In 2010, about 85% of the people who in the final report, the final tally we identified as having died due to the heat were in the community."
Most of the victims were:
The coroner found an increase in the number of deaths linked to drug and alcohol where heat may have also been a factor.
"There's work that still needs to be done to prevent social isolation especially in the context of aging," said Kaiser.
MONTREAL PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The department will conduct a more thorough inquiry and see what was done in terms of prevention and on-the-ground operations and make recommendations on what they may do better next time.
The city of Montreal conducted 42,000 visits to homes, checking in on seniors and other vulnerable communities.
Many of the victims lived in poverty pockets and close to so-called heat islands so part of their recommendations will focus on that.
"Improving building design so buildings don`t retain heat," said Kaiser, citing one example.
"The issue of heat islands needs to be dealt with."
The final report is due in December.