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.
Where to Get Cool and/or Hydrated
Community Centres
- Step inside for some respite from the sun (hours varied)
- Click to see a list of community centres
Greater Victoria Public Libraries
www.gvpl.ca/branches-hours
- All 12 library branches welcome you inside (see hours/locations).
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
In the Community
- 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.
Take Care of Yourself
- 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
Watch for Symptoms
- 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.
More Resources
Download our Extreme Heat Handout
https://victoriahomelessness.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Extreme-heat-handout.pdf
Island Health – Heat Safety
www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/environment/heat-safety
Staying Healthy in the Heat
www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/infographic-staying-healthy-heat.html
Water Fountain Locations
vicmap.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=01d530fe77d24581b69b1b0a0c8e3583
In Crisis?:
If you require urgent emotional support, including having thoughts of suicide and other mental health issues, please call Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888.
Youth (under 25 years of age) may access youthspace.ca for online emotional support.
For other resources, including shelter availability, visit bc211.ca
