Person suffering from the heat looking at the sun with a towel

Overnight cooling centre activated in extreme heat warning

City initiates Level 2 of heat response plan

August 13 2021 –

In response to the extreme heat alert issued this evening by Vancouver Coastal Health , we will activate an overnight cooling centre running from 10pm until 6am at Gathering Place, 609 Helmcken St. 

Patrons seeking overnight cooling can sign up for a mat on arrival, from 10pm onward. Space will be available for working, reading, or sleeping. Staff at the overnight cooling centre will accommodate pets that are on leash and demonstrate good behaviour. Owners should come prepared with waste bags and water bowls.

Where to keep cool in Vancouver

Residents can find more information about our cooling centre locations and hours of operation. Starting on Friday, August 13, designated cooling centres will extend hours as follows as part of Level 2 heat response:

  • VPB Community Centres: 9am to 10pm
  • Central Library branch: 9am to 10pm
  • Carnegie Community Centre, Evelyne Saller Centre, and Gathering Place: open until 11pm 

These extended hours and overnight cooling centres are in addition to all Level 1 heat response measures already in place.

Residents who are out and about can hydrate at over 200 water fountains across Vancouver, or cool down using temporary misting stations, spray parks, wading parks, and swimming pools.

We will also activate a heavy mister as part of its Level 2 response. The heavy mister is located at Abbott and Hastings St and will run 11am to 8 pm starting Friday, August 13. Review the list of misters and where they can be located.

During the heat warning, staff at the following cooling centres will do their best to accommodate pets that are on leash and demonstrate good behaviour. Owners should come prepared with waste bags and water bowls:

  • Britannia Community Centre
  • Hillcrest Centre
  • Kerrisdale Community Centre
  • Killarney Community Centre
  • Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre
  • Mount Pleasant Community Centre
  • Ray-Cam Community Centre
  • Roundhouse Community Centre
  • West End Community Centre

Pets can be also brought to an off-leash park with water access:

  • Sunset Beach Park
  • Hadden Park
  • Spanish Banks Beach Park
  • John Hendry (Trout Lake) Park
  • New Brighton Park

Find maps and more information on where to keep cool.

Activated during Level 1 response and continuing during Level 2

The City of Vancouver and Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation are also implementing other actions that are part of the City's Level 1 heat response plan. These include:

  • Monitoring outdoor spaces for people suffering from heat-related illness
  • Implementing a hot weather support plan for tenants in our non-market housing (including wellness checks, providing bottled water, and fans)
  • Providing heat safety information to community partners and SROs, requesting additional checks and supports for one another
  • Provision of bottled water to a number of sites for public distribution where there is greater community need, particularly in the Downtown East Side

We encourage people to prepare for periods of heat by keeping cool, staying hydrated, and staying informed by checking weather updates and using information on our website and social media channels to stay safe in extreme heat.

Looking out for people vulnerable to heat

It is also important to look out for and support friends, family and neighbours who may be especially vulnerable:

  • Older adults, especially those living alone, and children younger than five years old
  • People with pre-existing illnesses or taking certain medications
  • People who are isolated or experiencing homelessness
  • Outdoor workers
  • People with addictions who may be more likely to be dehydrated as a side effect of substance use
  • Anyone who isn't acclimatized to our weather
  • Anyone left in a hot environment like a closed car, or in direct sun

Learn what to do if you or someone else have symptoms of heat-related illness , and when to seek medical care.

We continue to work closely with Environment Canada and Vancouver Coastal Health to monitor forecasts, understand increased risks to health, and determine how best to support residents with services.

See more ways to stay safe in the heat and get information on heat-related illness from Vancouver Coastal Health.