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New Westminster braces for another heatwave

Temperatures in New West are expected to reach 35C by Friday
Julie MacLellan
Julie MacLellan
Ryall Park spray park
Angelo and two-year-old Amari beat the heat at the Ryall Park spray park during the previous heatwave. New Westminster is facing a forecast high of 35C this Friday, July 30 as another heatwave descends upon B.C.Jennifer Gauthier

The City of New Westminster is bracing for the heatwave that’s expected to hit B.C. this week.

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Metro Vancouver, with the hottest weather expected from Thursday to Saturday.

The New Westminster forecast currently calls for highs of 32C tomorrow (Thursday), reaching 35C Friday. Although the mercury isn’t projected to rise as high as the previous heatwave – which saw temperatures in New West top 42C – Environment Canada says overnight lows are expected to remain relatively high, which increases the heat risk.

“Please take precautions in the heat, drink plenty of water, and check on seniors and vulnerable people who are most at risk,” the city’s website says.

The city is asking people to stay tuned to its social channels (Facebook and Twitter) and website for more information as the heat develops.

Here’s what it’s offering for folks to stay cool:

COOLING CENTRES

Century House

620 Eighth St.
Hours of operation are 24/7
Pets welcome* (pets and their owners will be in a separate area)

Queensborough Community Centre

920 Ewen Ave.
Hours of operation are 24/7
Pets welcome*

Anvil Centre

777 Columbia St.
12 noon to 12 midnight
Pets welcome*

New Westminster Public Library

716 Sixth Ave.
Extended hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
No pets

* Pet owners are encouraged to bring crates to house their pets. Owners need to bring necessary supplies such as food and poop bags.


If you need help getting to a cooling centre, you can call Royal City Taxi for a free ride: 604-521-6666.

 

OUTDOOR POOLS

Moody Park Outdoor Pool (701 10th St.)
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday:8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
 

Grimston Park Wading Pool (1900 Seventh Ave.)

Extended hours July 28 to 31: noon to 9 p.m.

Aug. 1 onwards: Daily, noon to 5 p.m.

* Both pool schedules subject to change based on forecast; please check back on the city's website daily

 

SPRAY PARKS

All spray parks in operation 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at the following locations:

  • Hume Park – 660 East Columbia St.
  • Moody Park – 600 Eighth St.
  • Old Schoolhouse Park –  500 Ewen Ave.
  • Queen’s Park – Third Ave.
  • Ryall Park – Salter Street
  • Sapperton Park – 351 East Columbia St.

 

SAFETY TIPS

1. STAY HYDRATED

  • If your physician generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask about increasing the amount of water you can drink while the weather is hot.

2. KEEP COOL

  • Spend the hottest hours of the day out of the sun and heat in a cool location like an air-conditioned facility when possible, following COVID guidelines in all areas.
  • Use public splash pools, water parks or pools, following COVID-19 guidelines, or take a cool bath or shower.
  • During high temperature hours of the day, fans alone are not effective. Applying cool water mist or wet towels to your body prior to sitting in front of a fan is a quick way to cool off.
  • Dress for the weather by wearing loose, light-weight clothing. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
  • Keep your home cool. Close windows early in the morning to keep the cool night air in and the increasingly day’s hot air out, close shades, use an air conditioner and prepare meals that do not require an oven.
  • Avoid sunburn; stay in the shade or use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.
  • Avoid tiring work or exercise in the heat. Limit outdoor activity during the day to early morning and evening.

3. KEEP CHILDREN AND PETS SAFE.

  • If you have children and you must open a window for fresh air, ensure there is a safety lock in place that will not allow the window to be opened more than six to eight inches. Screens on the window will not protect children or pets from falling out.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car. During warm weather, temperatures can rise very quickly to dangerous levels within an enclosed vehicle. Leaving the car windows slightly open or "cracked" will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
  • Limit your pet’s activity and take dogs on walks in the morning or evening when the temperature is lower and reduce outdoor playtime during the day.
  • Test the pavement on sunny days using the back of your hand or wrist. Pavement can get very hot and burn the pads on your dog’s feet.

4. CHECK IN ON OTHERS

  • Those who live alone are at high risk of severe heat-related illness. Check in regularly with elders, those who are unable to leave their homes and anyone who may not be able to cope with extreme temperatures inside or outside the home.  
  • If they are unwell, move them to a cool shady spot, help them get hydrated if able to swallow and call for medical assistance if required. 

5. STAY INFORMED

  • Monitor local news and weather channels.  
  • For more information on heat-related illness, call HealthLink BC at 811.

 – safety tips courtesy City of New Westminster

 

Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, [email protected].