The spray park at Mill Lake Park is one place to cool off in hot weather. All city spray parks will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the heat wave. (Abbotsford News file photo)

Check on seniors, stay cool, advises City of Abbotsford as heat wave begins

City extending spray park hours for families to cool off while temperatures soar once again

The City of Abbotsford issued a reminder to all that a heat wave has arrived, and so has the need to be cautious.

“While the temperatures predicted in the Fraser Valley are lower than the extreme heat we experienced in June, as temperatures rise everyone is encouraged to find a cool space to stay safe, drink lots of water and to check regularly on seniors in their lives as well as well as those who are housebound,” the city posted on their website Thursday.

The temperature hit at least 30 C on Thursday in Abbotsford, and is expected to hit 33 C and 32 C on Friday and Saturday respectively. There are many things people can do to avoid heat illnesses.

The city encourages people to seek out an air-conditioned facility, such as a shopping centres or a library.

“Additionally, our community recreation centres are open for people when they need a short respite from the heat and these sites have evening hours,” they said. “We’ve also expanded our spray park hours to 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.”

As part of their “extreme weather strategy,” anytime temperatures exceed 32 C on consecutive days, outdoor cooling centres with tents for shade, water, misting fans and cooling supplies are provided at Seven Oaks Alliance Church and the City parking lot near Replay.

The City of Abbotsford website at abbotsford.ca/public-safety/community-safety-tips has information for the community on how to stay safe in the heat.

Here is a list of city-run facilities to beat the heat:

  • Matsqui Recreation Centre at 3106 Clearbrook Rd (closes at 8 p.m.)
  • Abbotsford Recreation Centre at 2499 McMillan Rd (closes at 7 p.m.)
  • The Reach Gallery Museum at 32388 Veterans Way
  • Clearbrook Library at 32320 George Ferguson Way
  • Abbotsford Library at 33355 Bevan Ave (1-5 p.m. on Sunday and 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. on weekdays)
  • Mount Lehman Library at 5875 Mount Lehman Road (1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesdays)
  • Spud Murphy Spray Park at 32285 Hillcrest Avenue
  • Mill Lake Spray Park at 2310 Emerson Street
  • Shadbolt Park Spray Park at 36086 Shadbolt Avenue

READ MORE: Historical heat wave smashes records in Abbotsford


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Abbotsford News