COQUITLAM, B.C., Aug. 13, 2022 – As temperatures continue to climb, and Environment Canada and Fraser Health issue heat warnings, the City of Coquitlam is reminding residents of the different options to find local relief from the heat and stay safe during the current heat warning.
Where to Cool Off in Coquitlam
The City offers a number of resources to help community members beat the heat, including cooled indoor spaces, outdoor pools and free spray parks.
Cooling Centres: The following City facilities are currently available as Cooling Centres during regular operating hours. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/facilities for hours of operation.
At all times, everyone is welcome to visit Coquitlam’s cooled public indoor spaces during regular business hours, including Coquitlam City Hall and all recreation centres.
Outdoor Pools and Spray Parks: Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool (2689 Guildord Way) and Blue Mountain Wading Pool (975 King Albert Way) are open for drop-ins. For information, hours and rates visit www.coquitlam.ca/OutdoorPools. (Note: Spani Outdoor Pool is closed for the 2023 season to facilitate a renovation.)
Coquitlam also has 10 free spray parks throughout the city with most open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
- 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
- Blue Mountain Spray Park, 975 King Albert Ave. (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Town Centre Spray Park, 1299 Pinetree Way (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
There are also many local parks that offer shaded areas and urban forest shade. To find park locations near you, visit www.coquitlam.ca/ParkFinder.
Libraries, malls, restaurants and retail shops are also great places to get out of the heat and support local businesses while enjoying air-conditioned spaces.
City Augments Support to Vulnerable Populations
During heat warning events, Coquitlam’s Bylaw officers and parks staff increase their outreach to vulnerable populations in our community through general wellness checks and bottled water delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness. City staff also collaborate with other support agencies to help connect those at risk with support services.
All Coquitlam residents are encouraged to check on family members, friends and neighbours who are elderly or have accessibility challenges or chronic illnesses, for signs of heat-related illness and to assist in getting them a cool space or seeking medical attention, as needed.
Staying Safe During Hot Weather
- 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 with cool liquids, especially water. (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 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.
Visit www.coquitlam.ca/ExtremeHeat for additional information of City resources and tips, as well as links to the Province of BC’s ClimateReadyBC resource portal and Extreme Heat Guide.
Media contact:
Nicole Kimmitt
Risk and Emergency Manager
604-671-5207
media@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-kwuh-tlum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), and other Coast Salish Peoples.