Cooling centres open in Kelowna
The City of Kelowna is responding to the heat wave by opening four cooling centres.
The city is opening the Parkinson Recreation Centre, Rutland Arena, Rutland Activity Centre and the Capital News Centre to the public to seek refuge from the hot weather and access water fountains.
Parkinson Rec, at 1800 Parkinson Way, will be open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on statutory holidays.
The Rutland Arena at 645 Dodd Road will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding B.C. Day.
Rutland Activity Centre at 765 Dodd Road will be open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Capital News Centre at 4105 Gordon Drive will open it’s doors to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“With warmer weather in the forecast, it’s important to stay hydrated and take breaks either in the shade or indoors,” says Lance Kayfish, risk manager for the City of Kelowna.
“There are places all around our community to cool off including libraries, shopping centres, spray parks and city facilities.”
The city said people can stay cool at the City Park Waterpark at 1600 Abbot Street, the Ben Lee Waterpark at 900 Houghton Road, and the Quilchena Splash Park at 346 Quilchena Drive.
Additionally, people experiencing unsheltered homelessness can use a designated day-use site that provides access to potable water, shade, food and peer-led supports near the intersection of the Rail Trail and Gordon Drive.
Outreach teams in Kelowna are currently tasked with providing bottled water, sunscreen, hats and frozen washcloths, as well as education about heat safety and cooling opportunities, to the most vulnerable population. That team will operate a cooling tent at the Queensway Bus Loop from 8:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. daily until at least Friday, when the ongoing need will be assessed.
The heat wave can lead to heat-related illnesses or compound on pre-existing health complications, and Interior Health recommends that people drink plenty of water, cool down by spraying water on their body or taking a cool shower or bath, to avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day, use plenty of sunscreen, and take immediate action to cool down if overheating.
In order to not put additional strain on emergency services, people are advised to only call 911 in the event of serious incidents.
In West Kelowna, the following locations are available for the public to help stay cool:
- Cool off at a local beach or find some shade at one of the City’s parks.
- Take breaks away from the heat by visiting the Westbank Museum or swimming at Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre.
- Pop by an indoor Park Play Day at the West Kelowna Multi-Sport Centre.
West Kelowna is also extending the hours of the Kids Care Spray Park from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. until further notice.
Other places to go:
- Head to an air-conditioned space such as visiting the Westbank Public Library.
- Visit Greater Westside businesses such as local shops, restaurants, wineries and breweries.
- Watch a movie at a local theatre or drop into a community centre to beat the heat.