In response to the heat warning issued by Environment and Climate Canada earlier today, the City of Coquitlam has opened two cooling centres and is reminding residents to stay safe during the heat.
COQUITLAM, B.C., July 7, 2024 – In response to the heat warning issued by Environment and Climate Canada earlier today, the City of Coquitlam has opened two cooling centres and is reminding residents to stay safe during the heat.
Where to Cool Off in Coquitlam
The City offers a number of resources to help community members beat the heat, including cooled indoor spaces, outdoor pools and free spray parks. At all times, everyone is welcome to visit Coquitlam’s cooled public indoor spaces during regular operating hours, including Coquitlam City Hall and all recreation centres. Visit coquitlam.ca/facilities for locations and hours of operation.
Cooling Centres:
Outdoor Pools and Spray Parks: Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool (2689 Guildford Way) and Blue Mountain Wading Pool (975 King Albert Way) are open for drop-ins. For information, hours and rates visit www.coquitlam.ca/OutdoorPools. (Note: Spani Pool is currently closed for a facility upgrade.)
Coquitlam also has 10 free spray parks throughout the city with most open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
- Burns Park Spray Park, 802 Edgar Avenue
- Cottonwood Spray Park, 672 Aspen Street
- Galloway Spray Park, 3404 Galloway Avenue
- Mackin Spray Park, 1046 Brunette Avenue
- Norm Staff Spray Park, 3320 David Avenue
- Panorama Spray Park, 1485 Johnson Street
- Rochester Spray Park, 1390 Rochester Avenue
- Sheffield Spray Park, 3510 Sheffield Avenue
- Blue Mountain Spray Park, 975 King Albert Avenue (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Town Centre Spray Park, 1299 Pinetree Way (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
There are also many local parks that offer shaded areas and urban forest shade. To find park locations near you, visit coquitlam.ca/ParkFinder.
Local restaurants, shopping centres and retail shops are also great places to get out of the heat and support local businesses while enjoying air-conditioned spaces.
City Augments Support to Vulnerable Populations
During heat warning events, Coquitlam’s community safety staff increase outreach to vulnerable populations in our community through wellness checks and bottled water delivery forthose in need. City staff also collaborate with other support agencies to help connect those experiencing homelessness with support services.
All Coquitlam residents are encouraged to check on family members, friends and neighbours who are elderly or have accessibility challenges or chronic illnesses, for signs of heat-related illness and to assist in getting them a cool space or seeking medical attention, as needed.
Staying Safe During Hot Weather
- Avoid activities that require lots of effort, or exercise during the daytime when the weather is hottest.
- Wear light clothing and a hat when in direct sun.
- Stay hydrated with cool liquids, especially water. (Note: Many City parks, including Town Centre Park and Mundy Park, have drinking water fountains.)
- Find shelter in shaded areas, such as parks and trails.
- Check on people at risk and get them to a cool space or seek medical attention, if required.
- Offer pets plenty of water and ways to stay cool, such as a cool damp towel to lay on.
- Never leave pets or children in enclosed vehicles, even with windows open or in the shade.
More tips and information on how to recognize symptoms of heat-related illness and heatstroke are available from Fraser Health at FraserHealth.ca.
Visit coquitlam.ca/WarmWeatherResources for additional information of City resources and tips, as well as links to the Province of BC’s ClimateReadyBC resource portal and Extreme Heat Guide.
Media contact:
Nicole Kimmitt
Risk and Emergency Manager
City of Coquitlam
604-671-5207
media@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.