As London experiences extreme heat this week and the first Extended Heat Warning of the season, the City of London is reminding Londoners of community cooling centres and supports available for residents looking for relief from the heat.
Beginning today, Monday, June 17, the following community cooling centres will be available this week:
- East Lions Community Centre, 1731 Churchill Ave.
- South London Community Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd.
- Startech.com Community Centre and YMCA, 501 Southdale Rd. W.
- North London Optimist Community Centre, 1345 Cheapside St.
These centres are open during regular operating hours and will provide an indoor cooling space as well as water. Residents can also visit any of the City’s community centres, when open, for reprieve from the heat.
Spray pads are available and operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Spray pads are free to use. Londoners can find a list of spray pad locations and activation buttons at london.ca/spraypads.
In addition to the cooling centres, community resources and supports are available to Londoners during the extreme heat. This includes:
- The Coordinated Informed Response program as part of their outreach will offer refreshments and snacks where needed.
- London Cares Outreach team will assist street involved individuals/families within London by conducting health and safety wellbeing checks, providing basic needs, and connecting individuals to cooling spaces, shelters and services. London Cares will assist with transportation options for individuals who need assistance to get somewhere cool, including those requiring assistance due to the elements. London Cares can be reached at 519-667-CARE (2273).
- The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services mobile response team will be handing out cold water, freezies and other cold snacks in the evenings.
- Water fountains are available in Victoria Park, Gibbons Park, Springbank West Park, Pump House Park and the Springbank House.
- The Dundas Field House, located at 179 Dundas St., is open for washroom use.
A full list of available drop-in services and cooling spaces can be found on the City’s website: london.ca/cooling-centres.
For heat-related information and tips to avoid the risks of heat-related illness, please visit http://www.healthunit.com/extreme-heat.