UPDATE: The City’s 4 Cooling Centres will close on Friday, August 18, as temperatures begin to cool.
The City of Burnaby is opening four Cooling Centres beginning on Sunday, August 13 for anyone seeking relief from the extreme heat expected in the coming days.
These Cooling Centres will operate from 10 am to 10 pm daily until extreme heat has ended, at the following locations:
- North Burnaby
- Cameron Recreation Complex (9523 Cameron St)
- Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool & Fitness Centre (240 Willingdon Ave)
- South Burnaby
- Bonsor Recreation Complex (6550 Bonsor Ave)
- Edmonds Community Centre (7433 Edmonds St)
All Cooling Centres are air-conditioned and are equipped with seating, drinking water, washrooms and free public Wi-Fi.
Did you know? You can go to any public City facility during operating hours and find relief from the heat. This includes all recreation centres, libraries, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and City Hall.
Outdoor cooling locations also available
Beginning Sunday (August 13), the Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby is also hosting two pop-up outdoor cooling locations, open 11 am to 6 pm at:
- Civic Square (Central Blvd & McKay Ave, outside Bob Prittie Metrotown Library)
- Kensington Park (Corner of Frances St and Fell Ave)
Pop-up locations will include washroom facilities, drinking water, seating and free public Wi-Fi.
Ways to stay cool at home
When extreme heat is expected, Fraser Health recommends that people develop and practice a cooling plan, which includes the following steps:
- Identify cool spaces and prepare to use them at night
- Make ice, ready jugs for water, check that you have a working fan
- Have a plan to check in with family or friends who may be vulnerable or arrange for someone to check on you. Be prepared to leave your home if necessary due to the heat. This may include planning to stay with family or a friend or visiting a City Cooling Centre during the hottest part of the day.
- Review signs of heat stress
More ways to stay cool
The City also provides several ways to cool off in our local parks.
Many parks have shaded areas or shade structures, and most have drinking fountains and washrooms.
Several City parks also have push-button spray parks that are open daily, and wading pools. For a full list of locations, as well as wading pool schedules, visit www.burnaby.ca/sprayparks.
An interactive map shows the City’s Cooling Centres and also cooling resources in parks, including outdoor pools, spray pads, water fountains, misting stations and shade structures.
During times of extreme heat, the City encourages residents to check in regularly with vulnerable family, friends and neighbours in case they need help.
Learn More: Burnaby.ca/ExtremeHeat