HEAT – City opens Sandman Centre concourse for some cool relief

The City is opening the concourse at Sandman Centre to provide residents with temporary relief from the hot temperatures following the announcement of a heat warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Sandman Centre, located at 300 Lorne Street, will be open as a cooling centre today (Saturday, July 8) from 12 to 8 p.m., and will operate daily until the end of the heat event.

In addition to the cooling centre, the City said it is working with community partners to ensure bottled water is available for distribution to people at risk for heat-related illnesses.

Community Service Officers will watch for signs of heat-related illness and distribute water during their patrols, and they will encourage people to find reprieve from the heat wherever possible.

A number of outdoor heat relief options are available, including water parks, drinking fountains with potable water, and washrooms with potable water at various park locations throughout the city. For a list of outdoor locations with heat relief amenities, visit Kamloops.ca/Heat.

In the Interior Health region, a heat warning is issued when daytime temperatures are above 35°C for two consecutive days and overnight temperatures remain above 18°C.

“These continued high temperatures put many vulnerable populations at risk of heat-related illnesses, including the elderly, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illness, and people experiencing homelessness. Residents are encouraged to check on neighbours and loved ones who may not be able to leave their homes or whose judgement may be impaired.”

For tips to beat the heat as well as symptoms and treatment for heat-related illness, visit Kamloops.ca/Heat.