Fraser Canyon still hot and smoky
Hope and the Fraser Valley are getting a break from scorching temperatures this week, but the Fraser Canyon remains one of the hottest spots in the province.
A heat warning is still in place for the entire Fraser Canyon, with temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius continuing with gradual cooling starting Wednesday. Wildfire smoke also continues to affect the canyon, with Environment and Climate Change Canada warning conditions can change quickly and recommends people stay inside in a cool and ventilated area if they have trouble breathing.
Although anyone can be affected by the high temperatures and smoke, Environment Canada warned that some groups are more at risk, including “people with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, infants, children and sensitive individuals.” People working outdoors and pregnant women are also at risk in the extreme heat.
To beat the heat, Environment Canada recommends staying hydrated by drinking water or other cold beverages, spending several hours a day in a space with air conditioning, avoiding sunburns by wearing sunscreen and staying in the shade and never leaving pets or people in parked cars.
Effects of heat illness to watch for include “swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.”
Residents should also look out for the effects of lower air quality due to wildfire smoke, these include “increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.”
“Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk,” the air quality warning stated.
Making Starrett Pond safe for salmon
Access to the Tom Berry gravel pit, known locally as Starrett Pond, will be temporarily restricted as a restoration project starts up mid-August.
The Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, together with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and other agencies, with a $776,525 Department of Fisheries and Oceans grant, will turn the pit into a “productive habitat for fish and wildlife.” Originally created during the 1980s to provide material for the Coquihalla Highway construction, the pit can trap salmon who enter during the spring freshet.
“Chinook, sockeye and coho juvenile salmon can sometimes enter the pit during the spring when the river is high, but are stranded when the river recedes and becomes disconnected from the pit,” a news release from the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition stated. “The salmon become stranded in the pit and cannot complete their life cycle.”
The work is ongoing from Aug. 15 to 31. During this time, pedestrians won’t be able to access the area as heavy machinery will be involved in the restoration.
Food rescuers in search of businesses with product to toss
An online food rescue operation is expanding across the Fraser Valley, and it’s looking for food producers who have product to get rid of.
“We are specifically looking for food producers and processors with excess supply to either sell or donate,” said Jessica Pautsch, founder and CEO of FoodMesh, in a news release.
FoodMesh then connects the producers – farmers, restaurants and others – with charities and other places so the food doesn’t end up in the bin.
An online webinar for food producers and processors who want to find out more will happen on Aug. 23 at 2 p.m. An RSVP is required to engage@foodmesh.ca.
