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City of Winnipeg is inviting residents to access clean drinking water at hydration stations, and come in and cool off in civic facilities during regular operating hours, as high temperatures are forecasted over the next few days.
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Meanwhile, Environment Canada issued an extreme heat warning over parts of northern Manitoba Saturday. Daytime high temperatures of 29 degrees Celsius and above, and overnight low temperatures around 16 degrees Celsius are forecast through the weekend.
A break from the extreme heat will move across northern Manitoba, and temperatures will return to seasonal norms, to start next week. However, extreme heat is expected to return mid-week.
The City has installed eight hydration stations to give residents to access clean drinking water. They can be found at these locations: 470 Selkirk Ave. (The Bell Tower); 185 Young St. (Broadway Neighbourhood Centre); Southwest corner of Stella Avenue and Main Street (near Mount Carmel Clinic); Northeast corner of Princess Street and Henry Avenue (near Siloam Mission); Southeast corner of Roslyn Road and Osborne Street; 369 Furby St. (near Agape Table); Southeast corner of Maryland Street and Ellice Avenue (near Spence Neighbourhood Association); and 190 Disraeli Freeway (near N’Dinawemak).
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Leisure centres and City libraries are available to act as ‘cooling areas’ where the public may come in for relief from the heat and have access to drinking water during operating hours. City indoor pools and outdoor spray pads are also great ways to cool down. Some community centres are also set up as cooling spaces this summer.
Information and a list of locations for both hydration stations and cooling spaces can be found at: winnipeg.ca/heatrelief.
As part of the 2024 Budget, over $1 million was allocated for 24/7 Safe Spaces throughout Winnipeg, including Velma’s House, West End 24/7, St. Boniface Street Links, and N’Dinawemak. Using a drop-in model, these spaces offer a welcoming place, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to address immediate needs for shelter, food, community and cultural supports, while also offering referrals to health, housing, income assistance, and crisis counselling services. These spaces are accessible during extreme weather events.
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Safety Tips for Hot Weather
Residents are reminded of the following heat safety tips:
– Stay hydrated. Don’t wait to feel thirsty to drink water. Limit alcohol consumption.
– Check on vulnerable family, friends and relatives, especially older adults or individuals with medical conditions.
– Stay in the shade and wear a hat and loose-fitting clothing. Be especially mindful of sun exposure for babies and young children and try to keep them in the shade when possible.
– Ensure children and pets are never left alone in closed vehicles or direct sunlight.
– Extreme heat is very dangerous. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
– When using additional cooling appliances such as portable air conditioners, do not overload electrical circuits as this can create a fire risk.
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