City of Vernon opening Kal Tire Place as an official cooling station

Photo: File photo

UPDATE 12:12 p.m.

The City of Vernon has announced that as of as of 1 p.m. today, Kal Tire Place will be open as a drop-in community cooling centre.

Members of the public are welcome to visit the arena and walk the concourse or rest in the seating area to find temporary relief from the heat and access to water.

Individuals who may be most impacted by this heat event include seniors, children, those with underlying medical conditions, and those who do not have access to alternative air conditioned shelter.

The cooling centre will be pet friendly.

Animals may be brought to the centre to find relief from the heat, but pet owners must stay with their animals, and the animals must be in a kennel in a designated area of Kal Tire Place.

Pet owners are asked to bring a leash, water bowl, food and treats for their pet, as necessary. The city is working with community partners to bring in additional resources, such as water bowls, but supplies will be limited.

Also, a limited supply of bottled water will be available for the public, however, the city encourages people to bring a water bottle that can be filled at a water refill station on the concourse.

Parents with children are encouraged to bring books, small games, activities or snacks for their kids.

The city is working closely with a number of community partners to identify cool indoor spaces.

For a list of cooling station options as well as public access to potable water, click here.

ORIGINAL 9:37

The City of Vernon has yet to open a cooling centre as a summer heat wave continues across B.C.

But, there are places residents can go to beat the heat.

“There is no official cooling centre set up in Vernon at this time,” the city said in a statement.

“However, Kal Tire Place is open with extended hours this week for indoor walking, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. through July 31.”

The Vernon Aquatic Centre and Lavington outdoor pool are open. Schedules can be found here.

Pop-up spray parks have also opened.

Anyone without access to air conditioning might want to consider those options as it is going to be a scorcher for the next few days.

Temperatures are expected to remain in the high 30s until Monday, when things cool off a little to 30 C.

No rain is forecast for at least the next week.