With temperatures soaring and only expected to get hotter this weekend, North Shore municipalities are offering advice and options for residents to beat the heat.
It’s already been cooking in Metro Vancouver for much of this past week, but temperatures could feel as high as 38°C in the region this weekend, according to Environment Canada.
A heat warning was issued by the weather authority this morning (June 25) that’s currently in effect for all of Metro Vancouver and will affect B.C. until at least Wednesday.
People are being urged to check in on seniors and vulnerable residents during the heat wave.
North Shore Emergency Management
NSEM is reminding the community to avoid heat-related illnesses by finding ways to stay cool for yourself, your family and your pets.
They advise:
- Drinking plenty of water and fluids;
- Spending time in cool places like shaded areas or air conditioned spaces such as libraries or malls;
- Checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours;
- And never leaving people or pets in a parked vehicle or direct sunlight.
West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver put out a notice yesterday advising residents to stay cool and hydrated over the next few days of extreme heat.
The West Vancouver Memorial Library is being offered as a cooling centre for those looking for shelter from the heat. Seating and water fountains are available on site. The library is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (and 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday).
City of North Vancouver
CNV recommends dressing down for the weather, seeking shade and limiting non-essential activity where possible during the hottest times of the day.
The municipality also recommends taking a cold shower or bath to help cool down – or even visiting a local water park, such as the spray park at Mahon Park or the Shipyards Splash Park.
North Vancouver City Library is being offered as a cooling centre for those looking to escape the heat. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow (Saturday), 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
North Shore Neighbourhood House is also being offered as a cooling centre this weekend. The centre will be open Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. both days.
The city also has water fill stations and fountains at a number of locations, including:
- Grand Boulevard Park (tennis court area, playground area) - 13th & Grand Boulevard
- Mosquito Creek Park - 17th & Fell Avenue
- Kings Mill Walk Park - Harbourside Place
- Waterfront Park - 200 block West Esplanade
- 14th Street Civic Plaza - 14th & Lonsdale
- Stella Jo Dean Plaza - 147 East 14th
- Victoria Park East at Lonsdale Avenue - Keith & Lonsdale
- Derek Inman Park - 200 block East First, northside
District of North Vancouver
DNV is encouraging residents to monitor local weather warnings as the days go by and act accordingly, including following North Shore Emergency Management for sun-safe tips and updates.
The North Vancouver District Public Library System – which includes branches in Capilano, Lynn Valley and Parkgate – is being offered as cooling centres for those looking to beat the heat.
Seating may be limited as seating at the libraries has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to the district.
Visit the NVDPL website for locations and hours of operation.
Throughout the North Shore, residents are encouraged to book a time slot at a local community centre for a swim or an indoor, air-conditioned activity, where possible.
Earlier this week, North Shore Rescue issued a warning for hikers and outdoor recreationists for this weekend after a 48-year-old man had to be rescued after suffering heat exhaustion on a trail.
Hot Weather Warning! Enjoy the outdoors safely and stay cool this weekend. With this hot weather comes added fire hazards. Reminder that smoking and fires are not permitted on DNV property, including parks and trails. Discard your smoking materials in garbage containers only. pic.twitter.com/0Z6vrRWXrV
— DNV Fire Rescue Services (@DNVFRS) June 25, 2021
Staying hydrated during extreme heat is critical. We've got a map to help you find water fountain locations in the City. You can also download the TapMap app to quickly locate public drinking fountains in Metro Vancouver.
— City of North Vancouver (@CityOfNorthVan) June 25, 2021
๐บ๏ธFind City ๐ฐ locations here: https://t.co/VzKDwVaNpe pic.twitter.com/wqor6lf1lx
It’s hot out there! If you’re heading out to enjoy our parks and trails, remember to drink lots of water and avoid mid-day when temperatures are the highest. For tips on how to stay cool when it’s hot outside visit https://t.co/xRjWfGr2P3 pic.twitter.com/Rjs2Y2hoSG
— District of North Vancouver (@NVanDistrict) June 25, 2021
It's time to think about staying safe and avoiding heat stress. Find ways to stay cool and take steps to protect yourself, your family & pets from heat-related illnesses. @WestVanLibrary is open daily as a cooling centre. More info: https://t.co/Qi3vURS7TA #WestVan pic.twitter.com/EtXQBtzCzs
— District of West Vancouver (@WestVanDistrict) June 24, 2021
It's going to be a hot one this weekend! ๐ก๏ธโ๏ธ Cool off at the foot of Lonsdale where the ocean breeze is hitting the patios and the water park is flowing! ๐ฆโ โ
— The Shipyards District - Lower Lonsdale (@shipyardsdist) June 25, 2021
โ โ
๐ธ : @gwenfarleyโ โ
โ โ #ShipyardsDistrict #heatwave #lowerlonsdale #northvancouver pic.twitter.com/1IDoCxWZAY