Person under a tree for shade with the ocean in the background

Heat Warning in effect: City of Vancouver reminds residents to stay safe during hot weather

August 13 2023 –

As Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Metro Vancouver, the City of Vancouver is reminding residents to stay safe during hot weather by taking actions to protect themselves and others and through a wide range of services available in the community.

Keep cool

Cooling centres in community centres* and libraries are now activated.

  • Everyone is welcome to cool down and rehydrate at one of these centres and some will allow well behaved pets.
  • In addition to these air-conditioned facilities, members of the public are welcome to seek shade at any of the City’s other community centres, at weather protected plazas and under trees, umbrellas and awnings at parks and beaches.

*Kerrisdale Community Centre will be closed Sunday due to BC Hydro work in the area. It will open at regular hours for the rest of the week.

Guidance from health partners indicates that it may be unsafe for some people at greater risk of heat illness to spend time in indoor temperatures above 26°C. The risk may increase significantly when indoor temperatures are above 31°C. 

Make a plan to stay cool. When possible, use an air conditioner to cool your home or individual rooms in your home. Take cool baths or showers, wear a wet shirt or apply damp towels to your skin, open windows at night and close windows, blinds and curtains during the day. If you can't stay cool at home, visit malls, neighbourhood spaces, or public cooling centres.

Checking on people can be life-saving

We all have a role to play by regularly checking in on family members, neighbours and friends who are vulnerable to heat. This includes:

  • People aged 60 and over;
  • People who are socially isolated and/or live alone;
  • People with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory disease
  • People with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety;
  • People who use substances, including alcohol;
  • People who are experiencing homelessness or marginal housing; and 
  • People with limited mobility and other disabilities.

During heat events, City staff working outdoors in the community will look out for people suffering heat-related illness. The City has bottled water available for distribution to targeted community groups through key partners and through Cooling Centres.

Stay hydrated

It is important to stay hydrated when it is very hot. Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty.

  • There are over 200 permanent fountains across Vancouver, with additional temporary ones added across the city during the summer months.
  • Use a misting station to wet your skin or the clothes you’re wearing. Misting stations are available 24/7 via a push button.
  • You can also visit beaches, swimming pools, wading pools, and spray parks to do the same.

For more information, or to stay informed with the most up-to-date information including places to stay cool, visit vancouver.ca/hotweather or the City’s social media channels (Twitter, Instagram and Facebook).

Download the Alertable app to receive alerts during extreme heat emergencies with information on City of Vancouver services and resources. To download Alertable, visit vancouver.ca/get-alerts.

For more information on health and safety tips during the summer season, please visit vch.ca/extremeheat .

Notes to editors:

For digital assets and news releases on the City’s heat response, please visit: https://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/media-resources-on-extreme-heat.aspx