What you need to know
When it's summer in Vancouver and the days get hotter, take steps to protect your health. Heat, especially extreme heat, can be harmful.
- Where to keep cool
- What we do to help you
- Heat-related illness
- Protect yourself during hot weather
- Get the Alertable app to receive public safety alerts
- Track your indoor temperatures during heat events
Note Check on others frequently to ensure they are safe, especially older adults, people with chronic illness, people living alone, and vulnerable neighbours.
Where to keep cool
Some community centres and most public library branches have air-conditioned spaces where you can cool down on a hot day.
These facilities become cooling centres when Environment Canada issues a heat warning or declares an extreme heat emergency. Cooling centres are available for everybody. You do not need to register, pay, or show identification to visit a cooling centre. Seating, water, and access to washrooms are available at these locations.
You can also head to an air conditioned space in your community such as a shopping mall or neighbourhood organization.
Cooling centres at community centres
Vancouver Public Library cooling centres
Partner cooling centres
Misting stations
Spray parks
Wading pools
Weather protected plazas
Download a neighbourhood map of where to keep cool: Downtown Eastside/Strathcona PDF file (2 MB), Downtown West End PDF file (2 MB)
What we do to help you
During the summer season, regular services are available to residents to enjoy the hot weather. When hot weather becomes dangerous, we add services to help protect health and safety.
Heat-related illness
Hot weather, especially prolonged heat or extreme heat, can cause heat illness. Symptoms of heat illness can range from mild to severe and occur when your body is unable to cool itself.
Check on others during hot weather
Check on vulnerable neighbours and older adults multiple times in a day, especially in the evening. More then brief exposure to indoor temperatures 31 degrees Celsius and above can be dangerous for many people.
Protect yourself during hot weather
The best way to stay safe in the summer heat is to spend time in a cool space and drink plenty of water. Get tips to stay cool at home and outside of the home.
Translated and partner resources
Read and share translated resources to help you and your family, neighbours, community, and tenants stay safe during hot weather.
