Montreal gradually reopens play fountains and splash pads amidst heatwave

The City of Montreal has gradually started to reopen play fountains and splash pads throughout the island in response to May’s three-day heatwave.

On Tuesday, Environment Canada issued Montreal’s first heat warning of the year, calling for temperatures to reach the low 40s.

“An increase in humidity” is expected to last until Thursday afternoon, states the weather agency.

As a result, the City of Montreal is offering people a way to cool off, even though the ongoing pandemic hasn’t yet resulted in the official reopening of public pools or play fountains.

• See also:
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“High heat over the next few days and the ongoing pandemic are making the situation more complex for Montrealers looking to cool off,” states Tuesday’s news release from the City. “To respond to this extraordinary situation, the boroughs are gradually opening their play fountains and splash pads beginning today.”

During the heatwave, City officials urge citizens to drink plenty of water (even when you’re not thirsty), wear light clothing, and limit physical activity.

La chaleur accablante et la pandémie complexifient la situation pour les Montréalais•es à la recherche d’un peu de fraîcheur. Plusieurs arrond. de la @MTL_Ville ouvriront graduellement leurs jeux d’eau à compter d’aujourd’hui et de demain. 👇https://t.co/0mgJGwsNqo #polmtl pic.twitter.com/x8ajKo29qX

— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) May 26, 2020

#COVID19 : La chaleur s’est invitée à Montréal et nos arrondissements ont rapidement ouvert la majorité des jeux d’eau pour permettre à la population de se rafraîchir. Pour savoir où se trouvent les jeux d’eau ouverts, consultez la carte 👉 https://t.co/Gbgs1qStA2 #polmtl pic.twitter.com/r6PuKZCY96

— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) May 27, 2020

Montreal applies its special response plan during heat waves, which is defined as an average temperature equal to or greater than 20ºC over a three-day span. If the heat continues and officials deem the weather a “high alert,” Montreal will launch door-to-door operations to check in on vulnerable citizens, despite the pandemic.

The Weather Network