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Heat Response Information



July 25, 2022

Heat Response Banner

Environment Canada has issued a heat warnings Greater Victoria. The heat warning for Greater Victoria is currently in effect until Wednesday (July 27). In response to the heat warning, the Town has activated its Heat Response Plan.

Cooling Centre at SHOAL Centre

The SHOAL Centre in Sidney will serve as a Cooling Centre. The air conditioned Cooling Centre is open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from Tuesday to Wednesday.

SHOAL Centre is located at 10030 Resthaven Drive in Sidney.

To help everyone feel comfortable, visitors are asked to respect physical distancing requirements. It is also strongly recommended that masks should be worn by anyone who has not yet been double vaccinated against COVID-19.

 

Extended Hours at the Water Spray Park

The Water Spray Park hours of operations have been temporarily extended. The water spray park will be open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

The Water Spray Park is located in Iroquois Park, at the corner of Fifth Street and Ocean Avenue (2295 Ocean Avenue) in Sidney.

 

Public Water Fountain Locations

  • Tulista Park - ArtSea Gallery building entrance
  • Tulista Park - Skate park entrance pathway
  • Iroquois Park - opposite the public washrooms
  • Beacon Avenue Roundabout - along the waterfront walkway at Beacon Avenue
  • Community Wellness Park - along the outdoor fitness pathway, adjacent to the library

 

Beach Accesses

A list of beach access points can be found on the Town's Parks Map.

 

Protecting Yourself and Others

Symptoms of heat-related illness

The symptoms of heat-related illness can range from mild to severe. They include:

  • Pale, cool, moist skin
  • Heavy sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Rash
  • Swelling, especially hands and feet
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Lightheadedness and/or fainting
  • Headache
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

More severe symptoms – including high fever, hallucinations, seizures and unconsciousness – require urgent medical attention. Call 911, move to a cool place, and cool the person with water and fanning.

Take precautions

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Drink more fluids regardless of your activity level.
  • If possible, stay in an air-conditioned place when you are indoors.
  • Stock up on food and medications so you are not forced to go outside in the heat.
  • If you don’t have air-conditioning, take shelter in the coolest room in your home and use a fan. Blowing a fan across a pan of ice water can create a cool breeze.
  • Open your windows at night to let in cooler air.
  • Take a cool shower or bath.
  • If you go outside, seek cooler, breezier areas when outdoors, such as large parks near to water with lots of trees.
  • Go to a local Cooling Centre.

Check in on others

Heat events primarily endanger seniors over age 65, infants & young children, and others who may have health issues or take certain medications. You can help:

  • Check on others if you can, especially those who live alone.
  • Visit in-person so you can observe the symptoms of heat stress listed above. Use a face mask and physical distance for COVID protection.
  • If you cannot visit, contact them by phone or video, but be aware that some people may say they feel fine even when they have some severe symptoms.
  • Help anyone with symptoms by following the precautions listed above, including taking them to a Cooling Centre, if possible.

 

Additional Resources