Cooling Centres open during current Heat Warning

The District of Squamish is once again advising that cooling centres are available to support Squamish residents. Cooling centres will be available as follows (during regular operating hours) during the current Environment Canada heat warning, which indicates daytime high temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday this week will range between 29 to 35 degrees Celsius.

Brennan Park Recreation Centre (Lobby) 

• 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

 The 55 Activity Centre

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

Squamish Public Library is also an air-conditioned space open to the public during the following hours:

• Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday though Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Squamish Transit continues to be offered to all residents as a free service and residents without access to a vehicle can use transit to access the cooling centres.

Heat-related illness  

Extreme hot weather can pose a serious and immediate public health risk. Please practice the following to reduce your risk of heat-related illness:  

• Never leave children alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52°C (125°F) within 20 minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34° C (93°F). Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature. 
• Drink plenty of fluids.  
• Plan your outdoor activity before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the weakest. 
• Avoid tiring work or exercise in hot, humid environments. If you must work or exercise, drink 2 to 4 glasses of non-alcoholic fluids each hour. Rest breaks are important and should be taken in the shade. 
• Avoid sunburn. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin and an SPF 30 lip balm. 
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide brimmed hat, or use an umbrella for shade. 
• Regularly check older adults, children and others for signs of heat-related illness and make sure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Check on those who are unable to leave their homes, and people with emotional or mental health concerns whose judgment may be impaired. 

For more information and heat related resources, visit the Vancouver Coastal Health website. 

View the Environment Canada forecast and weather warning at: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-50_metric_e.html.

August 16, 2022