Heat Advisory Information and Safety Tips

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Metro Vancouver, including New Westminster, from Thursday to Saturday. Daytime temperatures are projected to be near 30 degrees Celsius with overnight lows in the mid to upper teens. Please take precautions in the heat, drink plenty of water, and check on seniors and vulnerable people who are most at risk.

Cooling Centres

Open as needed starting July 29, 2021

Century House
620 Eighth Street
Hours of operation are 24/7
Pets welcome* Pets and their owners will be in a separate area.

Queensborough Community Centre
920 Ewen Avenue
Hours of operation are 24/7
Pets welcome*

Anvil Centre
777 Columbia Street 
12:00 noon - 12:00 midnight
Pets welcome*

New Westminster Public Library
716 Sixth Avenue
Extended hours: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
No pets

Cooling Centres include water and chairs in an air conditioned space as a refuge from the heat. Cooling Centres will be staffed by the City of New Westminster. Please bring any required medications and essential supplies.

*Pet owners should bring necessary supplies such as food, poop bags, etc. Pet owners are encouraged to bring travel crates to house their pets.

Outdoor Pools

Moody Park Outdoor Pool
701 Tenth Street
Monday - Friday:        8:30 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday:   8:30 am - 6:30 pm
*schedule subject to change based on forecast, please check back daily

Grimston Park Wading Pool
1900 7th Avenue
July 28-31 - Extended hours: 12:00 - 9:00 pm
Regular schedule resuming August 1: 12:00 - 5:00 pm 
*schedule subject to change based on forecast, please check back daily

Spray Parks

Hours of operation daily, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm located at the following parks:
• Hume Park - 660 E Columbia Street
• Moody Park - 600 Eighth Street
• Old Schoolhouse Park - 500 Ewen Avenue
• Queen’s Park - 3rd Avenue
• Ryall Park - Salter Street
• Sapperton Park - 351 E Columbia Street

Safety Tips

Here are some tips to help you and others such as seniors, children, and pets, stay safe in the heat:

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 or take a cool bath or shower.
  • Seek out shade in our parks and forested areas. 
  • 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 nights air in the and increasingly day’s hot air out, close shades, use an air conditioner and prepare meals that do not require an oven.
  • 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 6-8 inches. Screens on the window will not protect children or pets from falling out.
  • 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.
  • 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.

3. CHECK IN ON OTHERS

  • Those who live alone are at high risk of severe heat related illness. Check in regularly with our 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. 

4. GET INFORMED

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