Ways to Stay Cool During Heat Warning

July 27, 2022

Cooling Centres in Victoria 

The City of Victoria has opened three public cooling centres in response to the Heat Warning issued by Environment Canada.

Daytime highs are forecast to reach 31 degrees Celsius with overnight lows of 15 degrees for the next few days in Greater Victoria.

The City will operate air-conditioned cooling centres beginning today at the following locations: 

  • Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street, noon - 9 p.m., Wednesday to Friday
  • Salvation Army ARC, 525 Johnson Street, 1 – 9 p.m., Wednesday to Friday
  • Cook Street Village Activity Centre, 380 Cook Street, noon – 9 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday

Details:

  • COVID-19 protocols will be in place at cooling centres, with masks remaining optional.
  • Masks, hand sanitizer, water and light snacks will be available upon check-in.
  • Well-behaved dogs are allowed at the Cook Street Activity Centre cooling centre.
  • Water, shade and misters for pets will be set up outside the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre cooling centre.

VicMaps of Misting Stations and Public Drinking Fountains

The City has set up 12 temporary misting stations at locations around Victoria and there are more than 40 public drinking fountains available. Locate a misting station or public drinking fountain near you. 

Tips to Staying Cool

Follow these tips to stay cool and reduce the impacts of heat: 

  • Close your windows and blinds during the day
  • Avoid using large appliances, like the oven
  • Drink lots of water
  • Wear sunscreen if you are outside
  • Go to someone’s house to cool down or sleep if your home is too hot
  • Walk pets in the shade to avoid hot pavement.

Please take time to check in with family, friends and neighbours who are vulnerable, especially in the evening when it is hotter indoors than outdoors.

For More Information

Learn more about the steps you can take to beat the heat and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness here.