Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / The Sardis Sports Complex (pictured) is one of two cooling centres that the city of Chilliwack will open as a result of a forecast high temperature of 34 degrees predicted by Environment Canada. The cooling centre at Sardis Sports Complex, as well as Evergreen Hall (9291 Corbould Street, north side of town), will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 13 through Monday, May 15. Pets are welcome if they are on short leashes or in crates.
City to open two cooling centres

Chilliwack to open cooling centres ahead of hot weekend weather, pets welcome

May 12, 2023 | 10:33 AM

CHILLIWACK — The city of Chilliwack says it will open two cooling centres, including on the north side of town and one in Sardis, ahead of a hot weekend weather forecast from Environment Canada.

In response to expected high temperatures of 34 degrees over the weekend, the city of Chilliwack will temporarily open Evergreen Hall (9291 Corbould Street) and Sardis Sports Complex (5725 Tyson Road, rink No. 3) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday through Monday, May 13-15.

Pets that are crated or controlled on a short leash are welcome at the cooling centres. To help reduce waste, filtered water fountains are available at either facility. Please bring your own water bottle to use the touchless, senor-activated bottle filler. Bottled water will also be available as needed.

According to Environment Canada, the Fraser Valley is expecting daytime highs reaching into the high 20s to low 30s with overnight lows in the low to mid-teens.

An outdoor misting station will also be open at Tourism Chilliwack’s welcome centre (44150 Luckakuck Way) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday through Monday. This area is pet friendly and water will be available for pets.

Chilliwack’s two water spray parks (Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre and Cheam Leisure Centre) have opened for the summer starting today (Friday, May 12) and will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

It wasn’t that long ago that the 2021 heat dome resulted in the deaths of hundreds of British Columbians, even though those temperatures were much higher. The city is reminding residents that higher temperatures mean greater risk of heat-related illnesses, and is asking residents to drink plenty of water, even before you feel thirsty, and seek out cool places. Call, text, or check in on those who may be more vulnerable to the heat, and never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle. When cooling centres aren’t available, residents are advised to seek out free air-conditioned spaces, such as local malls, libraries, and leisure centres, or stay cool at public spray parks. For more tips to stay cool, visit chilliwack.com/beattheheat.