Need to cool off? Go to Kal Tire Place

Jul 27, 2022 | 12:32 PM

The City of Vernon has opened a cooling centre just as the current heat wave is expected to hit its peak.

“As of 1:00 p.m. today (July 27), Kal Tire Place will be open as a drop-in community cooling centre. Members of the public are welcome to visit the arena and walk the concourse or rest in the seating area to find temporary relief from the heat and access to water,” a city news release stated.

With temperatures expected to reach between 36 and 38 Celsius until Sunday, the city encourages those who need access to the cooling centre to use the facility.

“Individuals who may be most impacted by this heat event include seniors, children, those with underlying medical conditions, and those who do not have access to alternative air conditioned shelter,” the release added.

The arena, located at 3445 43rd Avenue, will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until Monday, Aug. 1.

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A limited supply of bottled water will be available for the public, but visitors are encouraged to bring a water bottle that can be filled at a water refill station on the concourse.

Parents with children may want to bring books, small games, activities, or snacks for their kids.

Animals can be brought to the cooling centre, but pet owners must stay with their animals, and the animals must be in a kennel, which will be located in a designated area of Kal Tire Place.

“Pet owners are asked to bring a leash, water bowl, food, and treats for their pet, as necessary. The city is working with community partners to bring in additional resources, such as water bowls, but supplies will be limited,” the city stated.

Pop-up spray parks will be available at Lakeview Park, 3001 18th Street, between today and Sunday, July 31. Hours of operation:

Wednesday, July 27 – Friday, July 29: 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 30 – Sunday, July 31: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

More information about the pop-up spray park program is available at www.vernon.ca/news.

The city is working closely with a number of community partners to identify cool indoor spaces. Here are some options for the next few days:

Wednesday, July 27

Kal Tire Place: open until 9 p.m.
Vernon Aquatic and Recreation Centre: open until 9 p.m.
Village Green Shopping Centre: open until 6 p.m.
Okanagan Regional Library, Vernon Branch: open until 9 p.m.
Schubert Centre: open until 5 p.m.

Thursday, July 28

Kal Tire Place: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Vernon Aquatic and Recreation Centre: 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Note: there is a private booking in the Aquatic Centre from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., but the rest of the Recreation Centre remains available)
Village Green Shopping Centre: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Okanagan Regional Library, Vernon Branch: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Schubert Centre: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday, July 29

Kal Tire Place: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Vernon Aquatic and Recreation Centre: 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Village Green Shopping Centre: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Okanagan Regional Library, Vernon Branch: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Schubert Centre: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, July 30

Kal Tire Place: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Vernon Aquatic and Recreation Centre: 12 – 4 p.m.
Village Green Shopping Centre: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Okanagan Regional Library, Vernon Branch: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 31

Kal Tire Place: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Vernon Aquatic and Recreation Centre: 12 – 4 p.m.
Village Green Shopping Centre: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday, August 1

Kal Tire Place: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Vernon Aquatic and Recreation Centre: 12 – 4 p.m.
Village Green Shopping Centre: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where can I find publicly accessible fountains and water refill stations?

Polson Park – close to the band shell, across from the Pavilion (2600 Highway 6)
Downtown washroom at 30th Avenue / 35th Street
Bus loop downtown washroom at 31st Avenue / 30th Street
DND Park (1451 Mission Rd)
Marshall Fields – at the back of the soccer building near the washrooms (6891 Okanagan Landing Rd)
Ranger Park (1900 47th Avenue)

Where can I find publicly accessible washrooms with potable water?