Back to SearchTown of Wasaga Beach Reminds Residents How to Stay Cool During the Day, Opens Overnight Cooling Centre Beginning June 18
“We’re ensuring that our most vulnerable residents, including those with chronic health conditions, no air conditioning or no other place to go, can stay cool and safe during this prolonged heat event,” said Mayor Brian Smith.
Wasaga Beach – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and Environment Canada have declared a multi-day heat event for our area. With high temperatures forecast for the next two days, the Town of Wasaga Beach is reminding residents that the following Town facilities are available to the public as cooling centres during regular hours of operation:
- The RecPlex (10am to 3pm at 1724 Mosley Street)
- The Wasaga Stars Arena (7am to 11pm at 544 River Road West)
- The Wasaga Beach Public Library (10am to 4pm at 544 River Road West)
Community members are welcome to visit these facilities for extended periods and cool off in public areas where restroom facilities and drinking water is available.
Overnight Plan (June 18 and June 19 – registration is required)
- The RecPlex (8pm to 8am at 1724 Mosley Street)
Beginning June 18, an overnight cooling centre will be provided for two nights in the Oakview Room at the RecPlex. This facility is equipped with essential amenities including a kitchen, restroom facilities, drinking water, light nutrition, mats, tables and chairs. Registration is required and participants must register between 8pm and 11pm. For safety, the doors will be closed at 11pm.
Free Public Transit
Public transit is free when travelling to the overnight cooling centre – simply let your bus driver know where you are going. Public transit buses run daily from 7am until 9pm.
Stay Safe, Stay Connected, Be Aware
Extreme hot weather can harm health in different ways, including causing illness and death. Heat-related illnesses include dehydration, heat cramps, heat rash, heat edema (swelling of hands and feet), heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Hot weather can make existing illnesses like lung and heart conditions worse, which could lead to serious illness or death. In addition, hot weather can increase risks for pregnant people and newborns. It can also affect mental health, causing mood and behavioral problems, worsening mental illness and increasing aggression.
Tips during extreme heat events:
- Drink fluids, especially water, before feeling thirsty.
- Slow down! Your body can't function as well in high temperatures.
- Cool down in a cool store, public library, or community pool.
- Shade heads and faces with a loose-fitting ventilated hat or umbrella outdoors.
- Dress appropriately in lightweight, light-coloured, and loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid getting sunburned. It decreases the body's ability to cool.
- Never leave infants, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
- Remember to check on elderly family members, neighbours and friends to make sure they are comfortable and safe.
Additional resources:
Read the heat warning on the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.
Learn more about the health impacts of extreme heat.
Media contact:
Sandra Watts
Director of Strategic Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs
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