Environment and Climate Change Canada has extended its heat warning for the Tamsin Valley region through Sunday, July 12. In response, the City of Wrenford is opening its Wrenford Cooling Shelters Programme starting at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11.
Residents who need a place to cool down can visit any of the City's air-conditioned community centres and libraries. These locations will serve as cooling shelters throughout the day and evening until the warning lifts. The shelters are open to all residents and do not require registration. You can bring a water bottle, a fan, or a small pillow to make your stay more comfortable.
Open shelters include the Tamsin Valley Leisure Centre on Benchlands Drive, the Northgate Aquatic Centre on Northgate Boulevard, the Ambrel Lake Recreation Centre on Ambrel Lake Road, and the Westbrook Community Arena. All Wrenford Public Library branches, including the Main Branch on Mercer Street, the Northgate Branch, and the Ambrel Lake Branch, will also remain open as cool, quiet spaces for the public.
"Hot weather can be dangerous for everyone, but it hits seniors, young children, and people with health conditions the hardest," says Fiona Gallagher, General Manager of Community Services. "We are making sure these shelters are easy to find, free to use, and staffed by City workers who can help you stay safe."
During a heat warning, the City also increases drinking water access at public fountains and bottle-filling stations across parks and trails. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or unusually tired, move to a cool place immediately and drink water. Call 9-1-1 if you suspect heat stroke.
We ask neighbours to check on each other during extreme heat. Please call on seniors, people who live alone, and those without air conditioning to see if they need a ride to a shelter. You can also call 311 inside the city limits if you need help finding the nearest open shelter or want to report a resident who is at risk.
For more tips on staying safe in high temperatures, read our Extreme weather and storm preparedness guide. Sign up for the Wrenford Emergency Alert Network so you get text and email warnings right away. Learn more about how the City plans for severe weather in our Emergency preparedness and planning section.