Two Squamish cooling centres set to open

The District of Squamish will have cooling centres available starting Aug. 11 in preparation for high temperatures.

According to a news release, Brennan Park will have the Black Tusk room open from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 11, 12, 13 and from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 14. Additionally, the Squamish Public Library will also operate as a cooling centre with varying hours:

• Aug. 11 - 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. 
• Aug. 12 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Aug. 13 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Aug. 14 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To reduce the risk of heat-related illness, the District advised to plan outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., avoid sunburn, drink plenty of fluids and to regularly check in on children and older adults. The District warned not to keep children in cars outside, even with the windows cracked.

Additionally, the District said that at-home remedies for mild heat-related exhaustion include moving to a cooler environment, drinking lots of cool, non-alcoholic fluids, resting and taking a cool shower or bath.

“If symptoms are not mild, last longer than one hour, change, worsen or cause concern, contact a healthcare provider. To ask about heat-related illness, call HealthLinkBC at 811,” the District said in the news release.

In a separate release, the District noted that staff has received a few complaints about cigarette butts being discarded near bus stops around town. 

“Please also keep in mind! We are currently in an extreme fire danger risk and fires are easily ignited from improperly discarded smoking materials. Smokers must use an ashtray to dispose of smoking materials,” the District wrote in a public post. “The fine for improperly discarding smoking materials is $500 in addition to any expenses incurred if it causes a fire.”