The City of Burnaby is opening four cooling centres this weekend as the weather heats up.
From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until further notice, the cooling centres will feature air-conditioned space with seating, drinking water, washrooms and free public WiFi.
The cooling centres will be located at:
- Cameron Recreation Complex (9523 Cameron St. - Lougheed)
- Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool and Fitness Centre (240 Willingdon Ave. - North Burnaby)
- Bonsor Recreation Complex (6550 Bonsor Ave. - Metrotown)
- Edmonds Community Centre (7433 Edmonds St. - Edmonds)
The Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby will host a pop-up outdoor cooling location from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Civic Square (Central Boulevard and McKay Avenue, outside Bob Prittie Metrotown Library) with washroom facilities, drinking water, seating and free public WiFi.
All public city facilities, including all rec centres, libraries, the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Burnaby City Hall, during their opening hours are also places where people can get out of the heat.
The city offers an interactive map showing local cooling resources, such as shaded areas with drinking fountains and washrooms, spray parks and misting stations.
Make a plan: heat resources
The city encourages residents to check in regularly with vulnerable family, friends and neighbours in case they need help.
Fraser Health recommends people develop a cooling plan when extreme heat is expected.
Steps to create a cooling plan include:
- Identify cool spaces and prepare to use them at night
- Make ice, ready jugs for water, check that you have a working fan
- Plan to check in with family or friends who may be vulnerable or arrange for someone to check on you
- Be prepared to leave your home if necessary due to the heat. This may include planning to stay with family or a friend or visiting a city cooling centre during the hottest part of the day.
- Review signs of heat stress
For more information, see the city's extreme heat webpage.
