Coquitlam is opening Pinetree Community Centre and Glen Pine Pavilion as cooling centres for residents during the heat wave.
COQUITLAM, BC, June 28, 2021 – Coquitlam is opening Pinetree Community Centre and Glen Pine Pavilion as cooling centres for residents during the heat wave.
With temperatures peaking into the 40s over the next few days, the City is providing public cooling centres where residents can drop in to find relief from the heat. The following facilities will be open to the public:
- Pinetree Community Centre (1260 Pinetree Way) 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. –free parking available
- Glen Pine Pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Court) 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – free underground parking available
The City’s cooling centres will be open Monday and Tuesday, with the possibility of additional days if temperatures remain high.
Coquitlam Public Library is also welcoming members of the public who are seeking cool, quiet relief from the heat. Extra seating is provided indoors and fountains are turned on outdoors. Visit the City Centre branch at 1169 Pinetree Way or the Poirier branch at 575 Poirier St. For hours of operation, visit www.coqlibrary.ca.
Spread the Word to Encourage Residents to Visit Cooling Centres
Neighbours and family of seniors and other vulnerable individuals are encouraged to reach out to ensure they are aware of the availability of the cooling centres and other public spaces offering relief from the heat.
Media is requested to assist in communicating this information to the public. The City will also be posting updates to its website at www.coquitlam.ca/coolingcentres and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram).
More Places to Keep Cool in Coquitlam
Eagle Ridge and Spani outdoor pools are currently open through pre-registration. For more information, visit www.coquitlam.ca/outdoorpools.
Coquitlam’s spray park hours will be extended from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Visit one of our nine spray parks:
- Blue Mountain Spray Park
- Burns Park Spray Park
- Cottonwood Spray Park
- Galloway Spray Park
- Mackin Spray Park
- Norm Staff Spray Park
- Panorama Spray Park
- Rochester Spray Park
- Town Centre Spray Park
There are also many parks throughout the community with shaded areas and urban forest shade. To find park locations near you, visit www.coquitlam.ca/parkfinder.
Staying Safe During a Heat Wave
Excessive heat can be dangerous – follow these tips to help keep cool and ensure the safety of others:
- Avoid strenuous activities 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;
- Seek shelter in shaded areas such as parks and trails;
- Check on those at risk – especially elderly neighbours and those with accessibility challenges or chronic illnesses;
- Offer pets plenty of water and ways to stay cool, such as a cool damp towel to lay on;
- Never leave pets in enclosed vehicles, even with windows open or in the shade; and
- Visit cooled public spaces that offer relief from outdoors, such as the City’s cooling centres, Coquitlam Public Library or neighbourhood community organizations, or support local restaurants and businesses in air conditioned spaces.
More tips and information on how to recognize symptoms of heat-related illness and heatstroke are available from Fraser Health at www.fraserhealth.ca.
Keeping Cool While Keeping COVID-safe
While seeking relief from the heat, residents are also reminded that provincial COVID-19 restrictions are still in place. Remember to maintain distance and avoid crowded areas when visiting parks, spray parks, and pools. These spaces may be busy; visitors are asked to be patient and be safe.
Media contact:
Nicole Kimmitt
Risk and Emergency Manager
City of Coquitlam
604-671-5207
nkimmitt@coquitlam.ca