It’s no surprise that when summer arrives in Kamloops, the temperatures get hot. As much joy as the heat brings to our summer activities, it also comes with a cautionary warning for many individuals at risk of heat-related health incidents.
Environment and Climate Change Canada keeps a watchful eye on heat trends across Canada and are the authority to execute a heat warning for our region. When this occurs, the City is ready to activate its response plan to open cooling centres and share educational messaging with residents.
Residents are encouraged to identify and check in on vulnerable family members and neighbours who are at risk of heat illnesses during heat events and to ensure that those around them are staying cool and hydrated.
Volunteer recruitment to support cooling centre operations continues to take place. Volunteers are trained in facility opening/closing procedures, customer service, de-escalation techniques, and recognizing signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. While the City identified Sandman Centre as the primary cooling centre for heat events this summer, other cooling centres may open as volunteer capacity increases.
When activated, the cooling centre will be open daily from noon to 8:00 pm until Environment and Climate Change Canada ends the heat warning. The indoor space is a refuge from the heat for anyone who needs it.
Kamloops has only experienced one heat warning so far in 2022. The City opened a cooling centre at Sandman Centre from July 26 to August 1 and welcomed 527 guests and 7 pets. Within the centre, bottles of cold water and cool cloths were available to help guests cool down, and the Kamloops Food Bank graciously donated fruit and snacks.
City staff came together to provide donations of puzzles, books, cards, colouring books, and other activities to help guests pass the time.
"One thing that was identified last year is that people didn't want to leave their pets," said Linda Stride, the City’s Recreation, Health and Wellness Coordinator. "We’ve included a small pet zone for small domestic animals to encourage residents who may be hesitant to leave their home for a reprieve to come join us and cool down."
“Within minutes of opening on the first day, a couple arrived and completed a walk on the concourse and relaxed by working on a puzzle and playing sudoku,” Stride added. “No matter the reason for the visit, all guests are welcome to the facility and may stay for as long as they need while we are there.”
“My air conditioner is old and is on the fritz,” said Barb, a 72-year-old resident who attended the cooling centre. “I came to Sandman every day for the entire day to keep cool. I was extremely impressed with the staff members and the sweet services they provided like the pet corner, bike racks, and games. The staff were sincere, and they took great pride to ensure that each person that came in had what they needed. I felt safe and hydrated.” She added, “At the end of the day, People In Motion came to pick me up to take me back home. It was a godsend to me to have this available in our community.”
The City would like to recognize the efforts of the number of agencies and organizations that have stepped up to help provide resources and education on the dangers of heat waves and sharing where to go for help. A special thank you to ASK Wellness, the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, Interior Health Street Outreach, the Kamloops Food Bank, People in Motion, The Salvation Army, and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.
Residents can find information on the City’s heat response plan, indoor and outdoor cooling sites, neighbour health checks, and other information at Kamloops.ca/Heat.
City staff are hosting volunteering training on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, and are encouraging interested individuals to sign up to be a cooling centre volunteer. Interested volunteers can apply online at Kamloops.ca/Heat.
