COQUITLAM, BC, Aug. 13, 2021 – In response to the current Extreme Heat Alert, Coquitlam has opened three locations as Cooling Centres and Clean Air Spaces to provide relief from heat and wildfire smoke expected to affect our area this weekend.
The following City of Coquitlam facilities are currently activated as Cooling Centres for the public to drop-in:
- Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier Street) Friday – 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday – 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday – 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way) Friday – 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday – 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday – 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Glen Pine Pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Court) Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday – 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
All locations are accessible and offer ample seating, bottled water, free parking and can accommodate pets.
Up to date information on Coquitlam’s Cooling Centres, as well as health and safety tips to help manage the effects of elevated heat, is provided at www.coquitlam.ca/coolingcentres. Updates are also provided through the City’s recorded emergency help line at 604-927-4357 (HELP).
Clean Air Spaces Available in Response to Air Quality
An Air Quality Advisory issued by Environment Canada is also in effect in our area. Coquitlam’s Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex, City Centre Aquatic Complex and Glen Pine Pavilion have in place air curtains and special air filters to offer residents a Clean Air Space for temporary relief from wildfire smoke.
The City continues to outfit additional facilities with air filters to increase the Clean Air Space options. More information can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/cleanairspace.
More Places to Find Relief From the Heat in Coquitlam
During any period of elevated temperatures, those needing relief from the heat are also welcome to visit any cooled City of Coquitlam community centre or civic facility during regular hours. Other options include:
- Coquitlam Public Library (575 Poirier St. and 1169 Pinetree Way)
- Public community spaces such as Coquitlam Centre or neighbourhood community organizations
- Local restaurants and businesses who have air-conditioned spaces
Outdoor Places to Keep Cool
Details and hours for Eagle Ridge and Spani outdoor pools and Coquitlam’s nine spray parks are available at www.coquitlam.ca/outdoorpools. Spray park hours have been extended and will be operating from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. through the weekend.
There are also many parks throughout the community with shaded areas and urban forest shade. To find park locations near you, visit www.coquitlam.ca/parkfinder.
Staying Safe During a Heat Wave
Hot temperatures can be especially dangerous for the young, the elderly, those working or exercising in the heat, persons with chronic heart and lung conditions, some people with mental health conditions, and people experiencing homelessness or inadequate housing.
Follow these tips to help keep cool and ensure the safety of others:
- Seek out cooled indoor spaces;
- Avoid strenuous activities or exercise during the daytime when the weather is hottest;
- Wear light clothing and a hat when in direct sun;
- Stay hydrated – alcohol-free, caffeine-free and sugar-free drinks are best;
- Seek shelter in shaded areas such as parks and trails;
- Check on those at risk – especially elderly neighbours and those with accessibility challenges or chronic illnesses and move them to a cool indoor or shady space, help them get hydrated and call for medical assistance as needed;
- Offer pets plenty of water and ways to stay cool, such as a cool damp towel to lay on; and
- 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 www.fraserhealth.ca.
Stay Informed
Stay up to date about Coquitlam Cooling Centres during heat events through the following ways:
Media contact:
Nicole Kimmitt
Risk and Emergency Manager
City of Coquitlam
604-671-5207
nkimmit@coquitlam.ca