It’s several degrees cooler at the Chilliwack Visitor Centre – and not just inside.
The picnic area has been turned into a cooling and misting centre, with misting apparatus strung from tree to tree. The water comes out gently and falls gracefully to the grass, creating a cool atmosphere among the shade trees. Several picnic tables are available, and there’s even a dog dish filled with water.
The cooling and misting centre was opened on Friday to help residents and travellers deal with record-breaking heat. On Saturday, Chilliwack hit an incredible 40.1 C and Environment Canada is forecasting such highs on Monday and Tuesday as well.
But the misting centre was empty on Sunday after at about 1:30 p.m. It could be residents are keeping cool in other ways.
The City of Chilliwack temporarily opened several locations as cooling centres for residents to find relief.
The following locations are open from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. until the heat warning is lifted:
Evergreen Hall - 9291 Corbould Street (Slesse and Minto Rooms)
Sardis Sports Complex - 5725 Tyson Road (Sheet #2)
Chilliwack Coliseum - 45323 Hodgins Ave (entrance off of Hodgins Avenue)
Chilliwack Visitor Centre - Tourism Chilliwack - 44150 Luckakuck Way. This site is pet friendly.
The centres will follow all public health orders. The number of people allowed inside at a time will be limited, and masks and physical distancing will be required.
Higher temperatures mean greater risk of heat-related illnesses. Drink plenty of water, even before you feel thirsty, and seek out cool places. Call, text, or check in on those who may be more vulnerable to the heat, and never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
For more tips to stay cool, visit chilliwack.com/beattheheat.
@CHWKcommunity
jpeters@theprogress.com
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