With another heatwave upon us, the Ville de Montreal is highlighting things to do for people to keep cool and safe during the next few days of dangerously high temperatures.
As specified in the city’s extreme heat special response plan, officials are doing everything possible to offer Montrealers several different ways to cool off while complying with public health directives issued by the Direction de santé publique.
The city’s extreme heat special response plan comes into force when there is a three-day forecast with daytime highs of 33°C or higher and nighttime lows of 20°C or higher.
- See also:
Aquatic facilities
City splash pad. (Shutterstock)
Montrealers of all ages can enjoy cooling off in the city’s play fountains, wading pools, and swimming pools. Using an online map (in French only) residents can quickly find facilities near them that are open.
Beaches
Parc Jean Drapeau
Public health authorized beaches and other private and public natural settings to open as of June 22.
Beaches at the Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques, the Parc-nature de L’Île-Bizard, and the Verdun Beach are open in compliance with physical distancing directives.
However, the beach at the Centre de plein air du Cap-Saint-Jacques, which is reserved for groups, will be closed this summer. The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau plans to open Jean-Doré Beach on July 11.
Air-conditioned public places
Montrealers are urged to enjoy air conditioning in public spots while complying with health directives, particularly physical distancing.
Using this online map, residents can see which air-conditioned public places are open to them.
The city has implemented the following health measures so that people can enjoy municipal aquatic facilities safely during the pandemic:
- Before going to the pool, Montrealers should evaluate the state of their health.
- People who have COVID-19 symptoms, those who have been in contact with someone who has the virus, or peopler returning back from a trip outside the country over the past 14 days will not be allowed to enter.
- You should get ready at home — take a shower, apply sunscreen and put on your bathing suit before you arrive on site.
- Wash your hands before and after swimming.
- Changing rooms are closed, but washrooms are open.
- Users must follow all directions from staff and comply with physical distancing at all times.
Take note that some boroughs will control periods of use so there are limits on the number of people who can enjoy swimming or splash pads at the same time.
For more information about measures the city has implemented at aquatic facilities visit the Cooling Off This Summer website.
To protect yourself during a heatwave, the city strongly recommends citizens drink a lot of water (even without being thirsty), take frequent cold showers and baths, limit physical activity, and wear light and breathable clothing.
The city also warns people to bring shade and water when waiting outside in lines throughout the pandemic.
Follow Channels and Categories