As hot weather settles into Winnipeg, the City is installing cooling spaces and hydration stations aimed at helping residents stay safe during the heat.
The city has installed nine hydration stations to ensure access to clean drinking water. Officials say staying hydrated is one of the most important steps in preventing heat-related illness, which can develop quickly and lead to serious conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
“We try to put them in areas where they can serve those who may be at risk to extreme heat,” says Mike Olczyk, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Winnipeg.
Olczk says that cooling spaces are also available across the city.
“If someone may not have air conditioning in their home, these spaces are close to their neighbourhood, and they can make their way there.to just get a release from the extreme heat.”
Bottled water will also be available in these facilities during their operating hours.
City resources like the outdoor spray pads are also available. Officials say the spaces are intended to provide relief for anyone seeking a safe, air-conditioned environment during periods of extreme heat.
Olczk also emphasizes the importance of taking care of one another.
“While everyone is susceptible to the dangers of heat, children, older adults, and people with specific medical conditions are particularly vulnerable. So it’s very important to check in on friends, families, older loved ones, neighbours, just to make sure that they’re doing okay in times of extreme heat.”
Extreme heat can come with dangerous conditions, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
“Symptoms of heat stroke include throbbing headache, no sweating, a body temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, red hot, dry skin, nausea, vomiting, a rapid, strong pulse, and potentially losing consciousness. So heat stroke is a life-threatening condition to take very seriously. So if you know someone or yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1.”
If you see anyone around you, friends or family exhibiting those symptoms, try to get them to a cooler or shaded place immediately.
Continually drinking water before you get really thirsty and maintaining hydration is key to negating the negative effects of the heat.
Hydration and cooling locations
The City has identified several locations where residents can access water and cooling support, including:
The Bell Tower, 469 Selkirk Ave.
Stella Avenue and Main Street, near Mount Carmel Clinic
Princess Street and Henry Avenue, near Siloam Mission
Roslyn Road and Osborne Street
369 Furby Street, near Agape Table
Maryland Street and Ellice Avenue, near Spence Neighbourhood Association
180 Henry Avenue, near Amoowigamig and the Salvation Army Centre of Hope
Central Park, Knox United Church area, 406 Edmonton St.
Broadway Neighbourhood Centre, 185 Young St.
Safety reminders
Officials are reminding residents to take precautions during extreme heat, including:
Staying in the shade whenever possible
Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing and a hat
Never leaving children or pets in parked vehicles
Checking on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours
Seeking immediate help and calling 9-1-1 if someone shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
Health officials say heat-related illness can escalate quickly, making hydration and access to cooling spaces essential during prolonged hot weather.