With another heat wave on the way, the City of Delta is opening up more cooling centres throughout the community.
Environment Canada has issued an alert for higher temperatures across the region for Thursday to Saturday.
If you are in need of water or some time in an air-conditioned environment to cool down, Delta urges residents to visit a cooling centre open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The following places will be open during that time:
* KinVillage Community Centre in Tsawwassen
* McKee Seniors Recreation Centre in Ladner
* Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre in North Delta
* North Delta Rec Centre
* Ladner Leisure Centre
* Sungod Recreation Centre
* Winskill Aquatic & Fitness Centre
* South Delta Rec Centre in Tsawwassen (open until 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, open until 6 p.m. Sunday).
Ladner Pioneer Library, Tsawwassen Library and North Delta’s George Mackie Library are also designated cooling centres and are available Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The city a couple of weeks back opened cooling centres at all three libraries and several recreation facilities in response to the early July heat wave.
During a recent discussion at council, councillors and staff agreed that opening more cooling centres was needed.
In the past few weeks, staff have worked with the seniors centres to ensure that they could be opened in addition to Delta’s recreation facilities.
The BC Coroners Service reported that 808 people died between June 25 and July 1 during the last intense heat wave.
There were 232 deaths during the same period in 2020 and 181 in 2019.
Both the City of Delta and provincial health officials are urging the community to take precautions due to the intense heat.
“During this hot weather it’s important to check on others, including seniors, young children and pets, and watch for signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion,” said Delta in a news release. “Be sure to drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty, stay in a cool place and watch for symptoms of heat illness.”
Symptoms of heat illness include:
* dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting
* rapid breathing and heartbeat
* extreme thirst and decreased urination.
