
The Loop Drop-In Center at 405 Tranquille Road in Kamloops/via Google Street View
While the City of Kamloops will not be opening up civic facilities as cooling centers this weekend and next week, the operator of the Loop has decided he will.
“We need a cooling center,” argues Glen Hilke. “The city offering free swims for people out in Brock or Westsyde. That’s just not realistic for all sorts of people with mobility issues, or just people who don’t swim.”
He notes his facility does have air conditioning.
Hilke says they also intend to provide other amenities for those who need it, as well as potential medical assistance if needed.
“Should people need a ride to the ER because they feel like they’re suffering from heat stroke, we’ll make sure that we get them there.”
The City of Kamloops has decided it will not be able to open up cooling centers during this forthcoming heatwave due to them already being booked, but is offering free swimming in area pools.
It comes as temperatures are expected to hit 40 degrees by Tuesday, but with expectations heat protocols in Kamloops will be activated over the weekend, as temperatures are expected to hit at least 35 for two consecutive days, and not drop below 18 degrees.
Global BC Meteorologist and Kamloops native Mark Madryga tells Radio NL that since he was a youngster in Kamloops, he’s noted temperatures have gradually been on the rise in the city.
“We’d get the odd 37, 38. We had 40 and a bit at the airport back in 1971. In recent years we’ve cracked through 40 a number of times. Back, of course, in June of 2021, late June, we hit 47…almost 48.”
He says we can expect close to record temperatures during this forthcoming heat wave.
“This is higher than your average summer heatwave for temperature. It’s going to be near records, or very close to record highs, I would say maybe not by Sunday, but certainly Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday,” noted Madryga.

Expected temperatures through the weekend and next week as of Friday, 2pm/via Environment Canada