Hot weather is prompting cooling efforts across the Tri-Cities.
A heat warning issued by Environment Canada early today, July 8, is forecasting daytime temperatures in the low to mid-30’s in Metro Vancouver through Tuesday, July 9, with overnight lows of around 17°C.
To help give residents some relief, the cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody have opened cooling centres in air conditioned civic facilities.
Coquitlam
In Coquitlam, a cooling centre at the City Centre Aquatic Complex (1209 Pinetree Way) is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and another at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (630 Poirier St.) is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
As well, residents seeking respite can visit any of the city’s cooled indoor spaces like city hall, libraries and recreation centres during regular business hours.
The Eagle Ride outdoor pool (2689 Guildford Way) and Blue Mountain wading pool (975 King Albert Way) are also open for drop-in visits and the city has 10 free spray parks that are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Port Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam has opened cooling centres at the city’s new community centre (2150 Wilson Ave.) and the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre (1379 Laurier Ave.). Both facilities open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.
As well, Centennial outdoor pool (3150 Chester St.) is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays while Robert Hope outdoor pool (2137 Lamprey Dr.) opens at 11 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 p.m. on weekends.
Port Coquitlam also has five spray parks and wading pools.
Port Moody
Port Moody’s cooling centres are located at the city hall galleria and the public library, both at 100 Newport Dr.
The galleria is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and the library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
The city has also set up a water bottle filling station at the galleria as well as the nearby recreation complex at 300 Ioco Rd. and misting stations are located at Pioneer Memorial Park across the street, Inlet Park (3024 Murray St.), North Shore community park (1400 David Ave.), and Westhill Park (203 Westhill Pl.).
Port Moody has two outdoor pools. Rocky Point pool (2800 Murray St.) and Westhill pool (203 Westhill Pl.) are open for public swimming every day from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Spray parks are located at Rocky Point Park and Alisa Park (500 Alisa Ave.). They are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Some general tips to stay cool include:
- drink plenty of cool fluids
- avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, usually between 2 and 6 p.m.
- seek out air-conditioned spaces
- wear a hat and light, loose clothing
- wear sunscreen if you’re headed outdoors
- keep your pets hydrated and out of the sun as well
Symptoms of heat-related illness can include:
- dizziness or fainting
- nausea or vomiting
- rapid breathing and heartbeat
- extreme thirst
- confusion
According to Environment Canada, temperatures are expected to moderate to the mid-20s beginning Wednesday.
