Heat prompts Edmonton’s extreme weather response

With the temperatures soaring over next week, the City of Edmonton on Monday activated its extreme weather response for extreme heat.

The activation starts on Monday, July 15, at 9 a.m. and is expected to end on Tuesday, July 23, at 7 a.m., with flexibility to extend if the forecast changes. This activation is put in place to keep vulnerable people safe in hot weather. It helps people avoid dehydration by providing access to drinking water and cool places to rest.

Edmonton is forecast to see temperatures as high as 35 C over the next eight days.

The City of Edmonton has access to potable water at bottle-filling stations attached to fire hydrants — including at Bissell Centre, CIBC Downtown, Central McDougall and Queen Mary, Immigration Hall, Kinistinâw Park, Lauderdale Park, McCauley, Wihkwentowin(Oliver) Alberta Avenue, Belvedere, Beverly, Niginan Housing Ventures, Norwood, Unity Square, Emily Murphy Park, Mill Creek Ravine, Old Strathcona Farmers Market, Millwoods Transit Station, Butler Park, Callingwood and West Edmonton Mall Interim Transit Centre.

City officials stated that all peace officers will carry water bottles for distribution to vulnerable people in need. Anyone needing a break from the heat may go to any open City facility, including libraries, pools, and recreation centres. Available indoor space will vary depending on the size of the facility, but even facilities without enough indoor space to accommodate people will provide bottled water.

Edmontonians are requested call 211 and press 3 for the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Team if they spot someone outside that is need of help.