With temperatures expected to rise today (May 10) and continue to soar this weekend in time for the 100th anniversary of May Days in Port Coquitlam, the Tri-City News has compiled a few ideas where residents can cool off.
While it's too early in the season to open all the outdoor pools and spray parks, regional residents can head to these places to beat the heat this week:
Libraries
- Coquitlam
- City Centre (1169 Pinetree Way) and Poirier (575 Poirier St.) branches
- Port Coquitlam
- Terry Fox Library (2150 Wilson Ave.)
- Port Moody
- Port Moody Public Library (100 Newport Dr.)
Mall
- Coquitlam Centre (2929 Barnet Hwy.)
Community centres
- Coquitlam
- City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way)
- Maillardville Community Centre (1200 Cartier Ave.)
- Pinetree Community Centre (1260 Pinetree Way)
- Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.)
- Port Coquitlam
- Hyde Creek Recreation Centre (1379 Laurier St.)
- PCCC (2150 Wilson Ave.)
- Port Moody
- Port Moody Recreation Complex (300 Ioco Rd.)
- Kyle Centre (125 Kyle St.)
River
Walk to the Coquitlam River — from the Coquitlam or Port Coquitlam side — where the temperature is considerably cooler.
Be sure to bring sunscreen.
Spray parks
- Coquitlam (potential early opening)
- Blue Mountain Park (975 King Albert Ave.)
- Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way)
- Port Coquitlam
- Castle Park (2252 Castle Cres.)
- Lions Park (2300 Lions Way)
- Port Coquitlam Community Centre (2150 Wilson Ave.)
- Port Moody
- Ailsa Park (500-block of Ailsa Ave.)
- Easthill Park (1385 Union St.)
- Rocky Point Park (2800-block of Murray Street)
Outdoor pools
- Port Coquitlam
- Centennial Outdoor Pool (3050 Chester St.)
Parks
Coquitlam has more than 80 municipal parks and natural areas, totalling more than 2,220 acres. Mundy Park (off Mariner Way) has the most tree coverage.
In Port Coquitlam, drinking fountains are located at Castle, Lions, Gates and McLean parks, as well as Leigh Square.
And parts of Rocky Point Park in Port Moody are shaded and has picnic areas, but also check out Bert Flinn Park for a scenic hike in the woods.
Misting stations
For Tri-Cities residents at Saturday’s May Day 100 celebrations, there will be a misting tent at the main and rear entrances to the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (2150 Wilson Ave.).
Ice cream parlours
- Coquitlam
- Marble Slab Creamery (2991 Lougheed Hwy.)
- Rocky Point Ice Cream (Town Centre Park)
- Port Coquitlam
- Matteo’s Gelato (2615 Mary Hill Rd., Port Coquitlam)
- Dairy Queen (2550 Shaughnessy St. and 1475 Prairie Ave.)
- Port Moody
- Rocky Point Ice Cream (Rocky Point Park)
- Casa Dolce Gelato (252 Newport Dr., Port Moody)
Hatcheries
- Coquitlam
- Hoy–Scott Creek Hatchery (west of Town Centre Boulevard)
- Port Coquitlam
- Hyde Creek Education Centre and Hatchery (3636 Coast Meridian Rd.)
- Port Moody
- Noons Creek Hatchery (340 Ioco Rd.)
- Mossom Creek Hatchery (12 Mossom Creek Dr.)
Be cool
As well, the City of Coquitlam offers the following tips to keep you, your family and neighbours safe:
- Avoid activities that require a lot of effort, or exercise during the daytime when the weather is hottest
- Wear light clothing and a hat when in direct sun
- Stay hydrated; alcohol-free, caffeine-free and sugar-free drinks are best
- Check on people at risk; ensure elderly neighbours and those with accessibility challenges or chronic illnesses are not showing signs of heat related illness
- Give pets plenty of water and ways to stay cool, such as a cool damp towel to lay on
- Never leave pets or children in enclosed vehicles, even with windows open or in the shade
Here are the symptoms of heat-related illness, according to HealthLink BC:
- Pale, cool, moist skin
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Rash
- Swelling, especially hands and feet
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dizziness and/or fainting
- Headache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Reduced urine production or urine that is very dark
- Increasing heart rate and rapid, shallow breathing
- Fever, particularly a core body temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or more
- Unusual confusion and decreased mental alertness
- Red, hot, dry skin (in the late stages of heat stroke)
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness/coma
