COQUITLAM, B.C., July 25, 2022 – With temperatures well into the 30s this week, residents are encouraged to plan ahead, stay cool and be safe.
With extreme weather becoming more of a common occurrence, it is always a good idea to have a plan in place, including an alternative location to go to in case your home becomes too warm. For tips on how to stay safe during hot weather, visit www.coquitlam.ca/extremeheat, which also includes a link to the Province of BC’s Extreme Heat Guide.
Take advantage of the resources offered by the City, including outdoor pools and free spray parks, community centres during regular operating hours, and four new misting stations.
Where to Cool Off in Coquitlam
Everyone is welcome to visit cooled public indoor spaces during business hours, such as the City’s community centres. Or support local restaurants and businesses while enjoying their air-conditioned spaces.
Eagle Ridge and Spani outdoor pools are open for drop-ins. For location information, hours and rates visit www.coquitlam.ca/outdoorpools.
Coquitlam’s free spray parks will be open extended hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. effective today:
- Blue Mountain Spray Park (975 King Albert Ave.)
- Burns Park Spray Park (802 Edgar Ave.)
- Cottonwood Spray Park (672 Aspen St.)
- Galloway Spray Park (3404 Galloway Ave.)
- Mackin Spray Park (1046 Brunette Ave.)
- Norm Staff Spray Park (3320 David Ave.)
- Panorama Spray Park (1485 Johnson St.)
- Rochester Spray Park (1390 Rochester Ave.)
- Sheffield Spray Park (3510 Sheffield Ave.) – opens July 26
- Town Centre Spray Park (1299 Pinetree Way)
NEW – Coquitlam Sets Up Misting Stations
The City has also set up four misting stations that will run this week from 1 – 9 p.m. at the following locations:
- Spirit Square (off Burlington Drive, opposite Coquitlam City Hall)
- Mundy Park (off Hillcrest Street, between the playground and picnic shelters)
- Town Centre Park (TD Community Plaza area and by the Percy Perry Stadium)
There are also many parks throughout the community that offer shaded areas and urban forest shade. To find park locations near you, visit www.coquitlam.ca/parkfinder.
Staying Safe When it is Warm
- Avoid activities that require lots of effort, or exercise during the daytime when the weather is hottest.
- Wear light clothing and a hat when in direct sun.
- Stay hydrated – alcohol-free, caffeine-free and sugar-free drinks are best. (Note: Many City parks, including Town Centre Park and Mundy Park have drinking water fountains.)
- Find shelter in shaded areas such as parks and trails.
- Check on people at risk – ensure elderly neighbours and those with accessibility challenges or chronic illnesses are not showing signs of heat related illness, and get them to a cool space or seek medical attention if required.
- Offer pets plenty of water and ways to stay cool, such as a cool damp towel to lay on.
- Never leave pets or children in enclosed vehicles, even with windows open or in the shade.
More tips and information on how to recognize symptoms of heat-related illness and heatstroke are available from Fraser Health at www.fraserhealth.ca as well as in PreparedBC’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/extremeheat for details on how the City prepares for a hot weather event, as well as tips to keep yourself and others safe and links to other resources.
Media contact:
Kathleen Vincent
Manager Communications and Civic Engagement
City of Coquitlam
604-218-1319
media@coquitlam.ca