Be Prepared and Stay Safe in the Summer Heat
Be Prepared and Stay Safe in the Summer Heat
As the weather warms up, the City of Maple Ridge reminds residents to be prepared and stay safe during forecasted high temperatures.
The City is monitoring weather alerts from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the BC Heat Alert and Response System and is prepared to respond.
Where to Cool Down in the City
- Air-conditioned facilities: Maple Ridge Leisure Centre, Greg Moore Youth Centre, Albion Community Centre, Maple Ridge Library, and local malls. Facility locations can be found at [MapleRidge.ca/Facilities](https://mapleridge.ca/Facilities).
- Water parks: Locations of spray parks can be found at https://mapleridge.ca/SprayParks.
Cooling Centre Activation
Once a heat warning is issued, the City will open a cooling centre at the Greg Moore Youth Centre (11925 Haney Place) from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Hours may be adjusted depending on the day's temperature.
Support for Vulnerable Populations
During heat warning events, the City’s Bylaw Compliance Officers and Community Safety Officers will:
- Work with unhoused residents through the Community Resource Hub and partner agencies to provide wellness checks, hand out water, and ensure that support services are available.
- The Community Resource Hub will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during any heat event and will provide water and misting stations.
- The Salvation Army (22188 Lougheed Hwy) will be open daily between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., providing a cooling centre, meals, shower, and laundry services.
Precautions for Residents
- Limit outdoor time between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the heat and sun are most intense. Stay in shaded areas such as parks and trails.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water. Many of the City’s parks have drinking fountains.
- Dress in light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.
- Check in on friends, family members, and neighbours who may need help.
For more information about the City’s extreme heat response plan, visit https://mapleridge.ca/heat.
Health-related and emergency preparedness information can be found at:
- Province of BC Heat Preparedness Guide
- Fraser Health Sun Safety – [fraserhealth.ca/sunsafety](https://www.fraserhealth.ca/sunsafety)
- HealthLink BC Beat the Heat – [healthlinkbc.ca/more/health-features/beat-heat](https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/more/health-features/beat-heat)
- Free Air Conditioner Program for low-income-qualified households
About Heat Warnings
There are two levels of heat alerts:
- Heat Warning – Issued when two or more consecutive days of daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 33°C or warmer, and nighttime minimum temperatures are expected to fall to 17°C or warmer.
- Extreme Heat Alert – Issued when heat warning criteria have been met and the forecast indicates that daily highs will substantively increase for three or more consecutive days.
Stay Informed
Residents are advised to sign up for Alert Maple Ridge at [MapleRidge.ca/Alert](https://mapleridge.ca/Alert) to receive emergency and other notifications and follow the City’s social media channels for the latest updates.
For additional information, contact:
Edd Bennett, Corporate Emergency Program Manager
T: 604-467-3063
E: ebennett@mapleridge.ca
