City enhances services to help residents stay cool during extreme heat warning

BRANTFORD, ON – The public is urged to take precautions as the Medical Officer of Health for the Brant County Health Unit has issued a heat warning, effective June 17, 2024.

A heat warning is issued when Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts two consecutive days with a maximum daily temperature of 31 degrees Celsius or higher during the day and a minimum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius or higher during the evening, or a humidex of 40 degrees Celsius or higher. Temperatures are expected to be 31 degrees or above for the next six days. The heat warning will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.

Given the long-term forecast this week, with temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius and humidex values over 40 degrees Celsius, the City of Brantford is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Starting today, a series of extended services and special discounts will be available to help individuals stay cool and hydrated.

Extended Hours and Cooling Facilities

Housing Resource Centre - hours of operation 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on June 18, 2024, and from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, beginning Wednesday, June 19 and for the remainder of the summer months.

Woodman Community Centre – hours of operation 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with access to the camp room; tables and chairs for individuals with customer service staff on site to assist and to provide reusable water bottles to patrons. The pool will be open from 3:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. While the heat warning is in effect, pool fees will be reduced to Terrific Tuesday prices at $2.50 per swimmer.

Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre – hours of operation 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with access to common areas. The pool will be open from 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. While the heat warning is in effect, pool fees will be reduced to Terrific Tuesday prices at $2.50 per swimmer.

Splash pads are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily, weather permitting.

Splash pad open and close status updates are accessible at brantford.ca/SplashPads.

• Anderson Road Park - 70 Anderson Road
• Bridle Path Park – 55 Palomino Drive
• Mohawk Park – 51 Lynwood Drive
• Tutela Park - 160 Erie Avenue

Hot Summer Night hosted by Brantford Fire – featuring a fire truck sprinkler on Wednesday June 19, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Princess Anne Park (17 Helen Ave)

Emergency Shelter

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate need of emergency shelter, please contact SOAR Community Services Emergency Shelter Intake Services at 1-888-621-0034 or email housing@soarcs.com.

Intake services to the emergency sheltering system are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In-person, walk-in services can be accessed:

• During regular business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 12 Market Street, Brantford
• On evenings and weekends, Monday to Friday, after 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 331 Dalhousie Street, Brantford

Temporary cooling spaces are also available at Rosewood House for men and women at 42 Nelson Street and the Salvation Army Booth Centre for men at 187 Dalhousie Street. Learn more at www.Brantford.ca/EmergencyShelters.

Precaution urged during heat alert

Everyone is at risk from heat, especially older adults, infants and young children, people who work or exercise in the heat and those with certain medical conditions. Symptoms of heat- related illness may include: extreme thirst and decreased urination, dizziness or fainting, rapid breathing, nausea or vomiting, and rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms during extreme heat, immediately move to a cool place, drink water and seek medical attention. Check on friends, family and neighbours, especially the elderly and those who are chronically ill during heat events and even after the weather cools off as they may still feel negative health impacts of the heat.

Learn more about how to stay safe during a heat alert at www.brantford.ca/heat.

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