Extreme Heat Resources

Be Cool!

Hot weather is in the forecast again for southern BC, with temperatures anticipated to reach the low 30s. It’s important to stay cool and hydrated to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Community Centres

Greater Victoria Public Libraries
www.gvpl.ca/branches-hours

Our Place Society
919 Pandora Ave.

  • Water available
  • Drop-in centre is open 6:30am-9pm daily and the covered courtyard has plenty of shade
  • Accepting donations of water/Gatorade, sunscreen, sunglasse

Royal Athletic Park
1014 Caledonia Ave.

  • Misting stations open to the public:
    Thursday, August 12, 5-8 p.m.
    Friday, August 13, 5-8 p.m.
    Saturday, August 14, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
    Sunday, August 15, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Salvation Army ARC
525 Johnston St.

  • Water available

Victoria Cool Aid Society – Rock Bay Landing
535 Ellice St.

  • Water available
  • Hygiene area open for cool showers from 12:30-3:30pm
  • Also accepting donations of sunscreen and sunglasses for distribution at 101-749 Pandora Ave.

The Watering Garden at Beacon Hill Park
Simcoe & Douglas

  • Open 8am to dusk
  • AVI Outreach: Water, electrolytes, sunscreen and hats distributed from the outreach van, 1-7pm, throughout Victoria.
  • Encampment Outreach: In addition to their usual outreach activities, the “orange backpacks” will have water and can provide clinical supports.
  • Harbour staff: As able, they will walk the 900 block of Pandora with water.
  • PEERS: The outreach van will be running every evening as usual and will have water and snacks. Water and snacks will also be available at:
    • Howard Johnson, 310 Gorge Road East: 10am-5pm
    • Capital City Centre Hotel, 1961 Douglas Street: 9am-4pm
  • SOLID Outreach: In addition to their usual outreach services, SOLID will have water available at 1056 North Park Street.
  • Bylaw: Bylaw officers will have water available for any who need it.
  • Stay hydrated, but make sure you’re including electrolytes – add Gatorade/PowerAde where possible – and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and excessive sugar
  • Have a salty snack to replenish sodium
  • Protect yourself with sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen – minimum SPF 30
  • Use an umbrella as a parasol
  • Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing
  • Find shade or a breeze near the water – avoid being in the direct sun for long periods of time
  • Mist your clothing with cool water if you have a fan to help cool hot air
  • Be mindful of the health and safety of those around you – friends, family or strangers in distress.
  • Medical questions? Call 8-1-1
  • Pale, cool, moist skin
  • Heavy sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Rash
  • Swelling, especially hands and feet
  • Dark urine and decreased urination
  • Rapid breathing and heartbeat
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Light-headedness and/or fainting
  • Headache
  • Extreme thirst
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

Never leave children or pets alone in a parked vehicle.

More severe symptoms – including high fever, hallucinations, seizures and unconsciousness – require urgent medical attention. Call 911, move to a cool place, and cool the person with water and fanning.