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SCRD opens cooling centres during second heat wave

Facilities in Gibsons and Sechelt open their doors to help cool down
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(stock photo)

As the second heat wave of the season hit the Sunshine Coast, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) opened cooling centres once again to help the public beat the heat. 

Ahead of the B.C. Day long weekend, the SCRD opened the Gibsons and Area Community Centre and Sechelt Aquatic Centre for folks to find a cool place with seating and bottled water. 

Both locations will be open until Saturday evening. The Gibsons location (700 Park Rd.) will be open Friday until 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Sechelt, the aquatic centre (5500 Shorncliffe Ave.) will be open Friday until 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A weather warning was issued by Environment Canada and temperatures on the Coast have risen to a high of 32 C. Overnight lows are expected to range from 16 to 19 C. 

Slightly cooler temperatures are anticipated near the water.

While the temperature won’t be as high as last month’s heat wave, which broke back-to-back records on the Sunshine Coast, the Vancouver Coastal Health authority is still warning the public about the effects of several days of hot weather. 

People are reminded to find a place out of the sun and hydrate, check in with older people and call for medical assistance if it’s necessary. Children and pets should never be left alone in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked.

Sunday should see some cooler temperatures.