Residents looking for relief from the heat will have access to a cooling centre in Quinte West this week.
The City of Quinte West has announced that the cooling centre at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens in Trenton will be open daily from June 9 through June 12.
The facility, located at 8 Couch Crescent, will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
The city says the cooling centre has been activated in response to forecasted high temperatures expected throughout the week.
Quinte West’s heat response plan calls for a cooling centre to be opened when forecasts indicate two consecutive days with temperatures of 31 C or higher, or humidex values reaching 35 C or higher.
Cooling centres provide residents with a safe, air-conditioned space to escape extreme heat, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
In addition to the cooling centre, Quinte West residents can also take advantage of the city’s splash pads.
Splash pads in both Trenton and Frankford are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the summer season.
Health officials recommend drinking plenty of water, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, seeking shade or air-conditioned spaces when possible, and checking on seniors, young children and others who may be vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
The cooling centre will remain open through Friday, June 12, with the city continuing to monitor weather conditions.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
