August 12, 2021
The City of Edmonton is activating its extreme weather response to keep vulnerable people safe during the hot weather expected over the next few days. The activation will remain in effect from Friday, August 13 at 9 a.m. until Monday, August 16 at 9 a.m, with flexibility to extend if the forecast changes.
The extreme weather response will include the following measures:
- Peace Officers will carry water bottles for distribution to vulnerable people that they meet.
- Anyone needing a break from the heat may go to an open City facility where bottled water will be available:
- Kinsmen Sports Centre
- Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre
- Clareview Community Recreation Centre
- Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre
- The Meadows Community Recreation Centre
- The Orange Hub
- Mill Woods Recreation Centre
- Londonderry Fitness and Leisure Centre
- Some facilities do not have enough indoor space to accommodate people inside, but have still planned to provide bottled water. These include:
- Fred Broadstock pool
- Queen Elizabeth outdoor pool
- Oliver outdoor pool
- Bonnie Doon Leisure Centre
- Muttart Conservatory
- Edmonton Valley Zoo
- Jasper Place Leisure Centre
- Hardisty Fitness and Leisure Centre
- O’Leary Fitness and Leisure Centre
Water bottle filling stations have been added at five fire hydrants. The water bottle filling stations give 24/7 access to fresh drinking water.
The water bottle filling stations are at:
- Giovanni Caboto Park at 109 avenue and 94 street,
- Michael Phair Park at 104 street, north of Jasper Avenue,
- Parkdale Square Shopping Complex at 118 avenue east of 82 street,
- Butler Memorial Park at 100A avenue and 158 street, and
- Strathcona Farmers' Market at 83 avenue, east of 104 street.
What You Can Do To Help
Extreme heat can be dangerous. Everyone should drink plenty of water even before feeling thirsty, and stay in a cool place. It is important to watch for symptoms of heat illness:
- dizziness/fainting
- nausea/vomiting
- rapid breathing and heartbeat
- extreme thirst
- decreased urination with unusually dark urine
- lack of sweat
- confusion
- fainting
- unconsciousness
Check on older family, friends and neighbours. Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle. Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool place.
If you are concerned about someone outside in the extreme heat, you can help:
- Call 211 and press 3 for the 24/7 Crisis Diversion team. They can assist with individuals who may be in distress and can provide transportation to social service agencies.
- Call 911 in cases of emergency
Sector Emergency Response
The City activated its extreme weather response after consultation with partners in the Sector Emergency Response, a collaboration between the City, Homeward Trust and more than 25 other agencies working together to ensure Edmonton’s most vulnerable people are safe during adverse weather conditions. Environment Canada’s weather forecast was also taken into consideration.
This is the third time the City of Edmonton has activated its extreme weather response this summer.
