In response to prolonged high temperatures Coquitlam is opening City Centre Aquatic Complex, Glen Pine Pavilion and Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex as formal cooling centres for those seeking relief from the heat.
COQUITLAM, B.C., July 29, 2022 – In response to prolonged high temperatures, Coquitlam is opening City Centre Aquatic Complex, Glen Pine Pavilion and Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex as formal cooling centres for those seeking relief from the heat.
With sustained temperatures in the 30s this week and continuing over the weekend, the City is providing the following public drop-in cooling centres:
- City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way): Friday – closing at 10:30 p.m.; Saturday – 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday – 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. – parking fees are waived during cooling centre activation
- Glen Pine Pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Court): Friday – closing at 10 p.m.; Saturday – 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday -12 p.m. to 9 p.m. – free underground parking available
- Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.) Friday – closing at 10 p.m.; Saturday – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. – free parking available
All facilities are accessible via public transit. They are open to anyone, are pet-friendly and will provide water, washroom access and seating to visitors.
Coquitlam’s formal cooling centres are in addition to City’s existing levels of support as detailed below, which will remain in place throughout the weekend. Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting cooler weather as of Monday, Aug. 1.
Check In on Vulnerable Individuals and Encourage Them to Visit Cooling Centres
Neighbours, family and friends are encouraged to reach out to seniors and other vulnerable individuals to ensure they are safe and aware of the availability of the cooling centres and other public spaces offering relief from the heat.
Coquitlam’s Bylaw Officers have water for distribution and will be checking on those who may be sheltering within the community to ensure they are ware of the cooling centres and other supports.
Other Places to Cool Off in Coquitlam
As communicated in the City’s Public Service Advisory on July 25, 2022, Coquitlam continues to offer the following cooling options:
- Misting stations – available from 1 – 9 p.m. at:
- 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)
- Spray parks – ten free locations open extended hours from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.:
- 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.)
- NEW – Sheffield Spray Park (3510 Sheffield Ave.)
- Town Centre Spray Park (1299 Pinetree Way)
- Community centres – open to all during business hours; locations and hours at www.coquitlam.ca/reccentres
- Outdoor pools – open for drop-ins; location, hours and rates at www.coquitlam.ca/outdoorpools
There are also many parks throughout the community that offer drinking water fountains, shaded areas and urban forest shade. To find park locations near you, visit www.coquitlam.ca/parkfinder.
Coquitlam Guided by Local Health Recommendations
Updated weather and public health information from related agencies on July 29 indicated that the Heat Warning issued Monday, July 25 is likely to be in place until at least Sunday, July 31. While an Extreme Heat Emergency alert is not likely to be issued, the conditions are hotter and longer lasting than expected. The cumulative effect of the heat event is causing uncomfortable, and potentially unsafe, indoor temperatures. Coquitlam has made the decision to activate its formal cooling centres over the long weekend in response to this update and the recommendations of local health professionals.
Staying Safe During Extreme Heat
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
604-218-1319
media@coquitlam.ca