City of Burnaby gears up for the first heat wave of 2024

The first heat wave of 2024 is set to hit Burnaby this weekend, and it is predicted to be the most severe since the 2021 Heat Dome. With temperatures in Burnaby expected to soar into the mid-30s and the BC interior potentially reaching a scorching 40C, the City of Burnaby is responding by activating four cooling centres from July 6 and throughout the following week. 

North Burnaby residents will have cooling centres at Cameron Recreation Complex (9523 Cameron St.) and Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool and Fitness Centre (240 Willingdon Ave.). South Burnaby residents can find relief from the heat at Bonsor Recreation Complex (6550 Bonsor Ave.) or Edmonds Community Centre (7433 Edmonds St.). 

“All cooling centres are air-conditioned and equipped with seating, drinking water, washrooms, and free public Wi-Fi,” said an official press release from the city. “You can go to any public City facility during operating hours and find relief from the heat. This includes all recreation centres, libraries, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, and City Hall.”

The city also has a new interactive map that shows the locations of each of its cooling centres so residents can find the one closest to them. All city-run cooling centres will be open daily from 10am to 10pm until the heat wave ends. 

The Society to End Homelessness is also activating a cooling station at Civic Square outside Burnaby Public Library, Bob Prittie Metrotown. The pop-up location will include washrooms, drinking water fountains, seating, and free Wi-Fi. 

In addition to its cooling centres, the city also recommends utilizing outdoor park spaces. 

“The City also provides several ways to cool off in our local parks. Many parks have shaded areas or shade structures, and most have drinking fountains and washrooms,” the release said. 

“Several city parks also have push-button spray parks that are open daily, and wading pools. For a full list of locations, as well as wading pool schedules, visit www.burnaby.ca/sprayparks.”

This piece was made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

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