With Environment Canada issuing a heat warning with temperatures expected to be extremely hot, the Regional District of Nanaimo is once again offering places where people can cool off.
Temperatures are expected to reach 29 to 35 C during the day with overnight lows around 16 C, which will provide little relief.
For those in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area, Oceanside Place is where you can get some relief from the heat. The building will be to the public during regular business hours Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will open outside regular hours on Saturday Aug. 14, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
READ MORE: Environment Canada warns about heat wave hitting Vancouver Island
Public access is available in the arena lobby where residents and visitors are welcome to have a seat as well as use the water bottle fill station and public washrooms. Refillable water bottles are recommended as the water fountains remain unavailable in accordance with COVID safety protocols and there is a limited supply of bottled water onsite.
The Qualicum Beach Public Library at 101-660 Primrose St., the Parksville Public Library on 100 Jensen Avenue East and the Bowser Public Library on 6996 W Island Highway are other places where the public can cool off. Walk-through browsing is available, however there is no sit-down service allowed.
Heat warnings are issued when daytime temperatures are above 29°C for two consecutive days and overnight temperatures remain above 16°C.
Continued high temperatures put many vulnerable populations at risk of heat-related illnesses, including the elderly, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illness and people experiencing homelessness. Residents are encouraged to check on neighbours and loved ones who may be unable to leave their homes or whose judgement may be impaired.
Anyone living alone in the District 69 area can sign up for the Keeping in Touch program offered by Oceanside Community Safety Volunteers. Visit oceansidecsv.org/content/keeping-touch
For more information and resources, please visit rdn.bc.ca/extreme-weather. For tips on heat safety as well as symptoms and treatment for heat-related illness, visit islandhealth.ca. x
— NEWS Staff
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