Environment Canada has issued a heat warning in Oceanside.
Check the Emergency MAP BC for Emergency Cooling Centres and drinking water fountain locations.
Extreme Heat Cooling Spaces in the Regional District of Nanaimo Updated 2024:
City of Parksville, 8am – 4pm
100 Jensen Avenue East
- Visit the City of Parksville’s website
- Visit Emergency Management Oceanside’s website
Town of Qualicum Beach, 9am – 4pm
#201 – 660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach
Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, Lions Room
747 Jones Street, Qualicum Beach
- Visit the Town of Qualicum Beach’s website
Oceanside Place Arena
830 Island Hwy, Parksville
- Monday to Friday: 8am – 6pm
- Saturday to Sunday: 10am – 2pm
- The Regional District of Nanaimo’s Oceanside Place is open to the public during regular business
- For more information go to: rdn.bc.ca/rac-location
Ravensong Aquatic Centre
737 Jones St, Qualicum Beach
- Monday to Friday: 6am – 9pm
- Saturday: 7am to 5pm
- Sunday: 10am to 5pm
- For more information go to: rdn.bc.ca/rac-location
Qualicum Beach Public Library
101- 660 Primrose St, Qualicum Beach
- Monday/Tuesday: 10am – 6pm
- Wednesday/Thursday: 10am – 7pm
- Friday/Saturday/Sunday: – 10am – 6pm
- Visit HERE for branch information
Parksville Public Library
100 Jensen Avenue East, Parksville
- Monday/Tuesday: 10am – 6pm
- Wednesday/Thursday: 10am – 7pm
- Friday/Saturday/Sunday: – 10am – 6pm
- Visit HERE for branch information
Bowser Public Library
6996 W Island Highway, Bowser
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10am – 2:30pm
- Wednesday/Thursday: 2:30pm – 7pm
- Friday/Saturday: 10am – 2:30pm
- Sunday: Closed
- Visit HERE for branch information
BOTTLED WATER AND POTABLE WATER LOCATIONS
The Mount Arrowsmith Salvation Army
187 Alberni Hwy, Parksville and 886 Wembley Road, Parksville
- Has bottled water at the soup kitchen and at the food bank
Oceanside Place Arena
830 Island Hwy, Parksville
- Has water refill stations available for anyone with their own bottle
Dunsmuir Community Park
326 Horne Lake Rd, Qualicum Beach
- Potable water taps outside are available for anyone in need with their own bottle
TIPS for Heat Warnings from Emergency Info BC:
- Know the symptoms of heat-related illness and seek medical care if you or someone you are caring for are unwell: Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in case of a medical emergency.
- Take steps to keep your home cool or seek cooler locations, such as an Emergency Cooling Centre or a Public Cooling Space.
- Check on family, friends and neighbours who are at higher risk of heat-related illness, particularly if they live alone.
- Drink plenty of water. Be aware that sugary or alcoholic drinks cause dehydration.
- If you must be outdoors, take precautions to stay cool like wearing protective clothing and sunscreen, seeking cooler outdoor spaces and staying in shaded areas as much as possible.
- Monitor local sources of information and follow all instructions from your municipality, local authority or First Nation.
“Environment Canada is advising the heat, albeit brief, can still take its toll on individuals unable to escape the temperatures or those particularly susceptible.
“Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory disease, people with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, people with substance use disorders, and people with limited mobility.”
The heat will be compounded by some increased air quality issues, with wildfire smoke and haze remaining a factor for several days.
Environment Canada is forecasting a “moderate risk” Tuesday and a “low risk” on Wednesday for those sensitive to changes in air quality.”
BC SPCA Tips for summer pet safety
- Beware hot pavement: If you regularly jog or bike with your dog, be conscious of when you’re doing it. If it’s a hot day, the pavement can get dangerously hot for your pet’s feet.
- Exercise with caution: Choose to exercise with your dog earlier in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler, reducing the chances of your pet getting heatstroke.
- Be prepared: When hiking, camping or going to the beach, make sure you bring along a water bowl and water for your pet as well as an umbrella for shade. Towels can be used to dry off your pet and to give them an option of a place to lie down that’s not scorching hot.
- Offer cool treats: Freeze your pet’s favourite food or treat in a Kong. Invest in a kiddie pool for your pup and fill it with cool water for your furry friend to enjoy and play in. Learn about other ways to cool your pet down.
Closely monitoring your pet is key to a successful summer outing. “Make sure they really are having a good time outside and are able to get out of the sun,” Monteith says. She also reminds guardians to never leave a pet in a hot car, even if it’s in the shade with the windows rolled down, the air conditioning is on, or it’s only for a few minutes. Temperatures can rise quickly, air conditioners can fail, and a few minutes is all it takes for pets to suffer heatstroke or worse. The safest option is to keep your pet cool at home Learn about other ways to cool your pet down.