City of Vancouver offers public cooling centres in response to heat wave

Jul 17 2018, 5:42 am

With Environment Canada issuing a special weather statement for hot weather for the region, the City of Vancouver is taking a number of steps to help residents and visitors beat the heat and stay healthy.

On Monday, the City announced that a number of cooling centres at air-conditioned community centres are now open to the public. Locations and hours are available on the City’s website.

In addition, community centres in the Downtown Eastdide will ensure water and sunscreen are available for homeless and vulnerable people, and staff will practice “extra vigilance” in ensuring the safety of those most at risk.

Across the city, eight temporary water fountains have been installed, with locations available on the municipal government’s website as well. There is also a “push-button” misting station available at Oppenheimer Park.

Hints for hot weather

In addition to the range of cool-down options across the city, officials are also offering people personal tips on how to keep themselves cool and comfortable during the hotter-than-normal temperatures.

  • Dress for heat: Wear a wide-brimmed hat; lightweight, long-sleeved clothing; and sunscreen.
  • Take it easy: Avoid strenuous activity and exercise, particularly if you have a respiratory or cardiac condition or diabetes.
  • Stay hydrated: Fill up your water bottle at one of our drinking fountains, including temporary fountains that are set up during heat waves.
  • Moderate your alcohol consumption: The effects of hot weather are exacerbated by alcohol, therefore drink responsibly.
  • Protect your loved ones: Never leave a child or pet in a closed car or in the direct sun.
  • Look out for others: Remember that the very young, the elderly, people with chronic respiratory, cardiac and mental illnesses and those who are unable to move to a cool area are most vulnerable. If you see someone struggling, call 9-1-1 and if you can, help the person cool off with water to the face and neck until emergency services arrive.
  • Cool off: Visit an air-conditioned community centre or library, or enjoy a wading pool, outdoor pool, water park, or spray par. Find an air conditioned facility Find a pool or water park
  • Take your dog to an off-leash park with water access

Caring for your pets

This weather is also hard on animals as they are especially susceptible to heat.

Animals with fur coats are not able to cool themselves down easily and can overheat very quickly, so leaving animals at home can be much safer.

The temperature in a parked car can heat rapidly, so it’s extremely dangerous to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle.

If you see an animal in distress please report it to the BC SPCA immediately.

The following dog parks have access to water for your pets:

  • New Brighton Park – Off leash park
  • Crab Park at Portside – Off leash Park
  • John Hendry Dog Park – Off leash Park
  • Sunset Beach – Off leash park
  • Devonian Harbour – Off leash
  • Hadden Park – Off leash park
  • Spanish Banks – Off leash park
See also
DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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