June 25, 2021
The City of Edmonton has activated its extreme weather response to keep vulnerable people safe during the hot weather expected in the coming days.
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. Provincial health regulations are still in place and access cannot be guaranteed due to capacity limits, but the following spaces have planned to offer access and bottled water:
- 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
- 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 (starting June 26)
Work is underway to create more free water options throughout the summer for vulnerable groups. Activation of River Valley park fountains has been started. In addition, this summer the City will be launching a pilot project to adapt five fire hydrants into water stations to provide access to free potable water. Locations are still being determined and the water stations are expected to be available in late July.
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.
The extreme weather response may remain in effect until after Canada Day.
