The City of Kamloops will move the indoor cooling centre from McArthur Island to Sandman Centre over the weekend.

The cooling centre at the NHL rink at McArthur Island, which has been open since Tuesday, will be open one final day this Saturday, July 13 between 12 noon and 8 p.m..

It will then be moved to Sandman Centre – which was unavailable this week as it was hosting the 2024 ScotDance Canada Championship Series –  starting July 14 until the end of the ongoing heat wave.

“Residents are encouraged to check on their friends, family, and neighbours who may have heat sensitivity or vulnerability,” Emergency Preparedness Manager Ty Helgason said.

“Prolonged periods of extreme heat can lead to severe illness and death. Heat can affect anyone, but some individuals are more susceptible than others, especially if they do not have access to air conditioning.”

Helgason – who authored a report on the City’s Extreme Heat Response Plan that is going before Council on Tuesday – says the City continues to work in partnership with social organizations like ASK Wellness.

Community Services Officers will also be making the rounds to ensure that people experiencing homelessness have bottled water and access to transportation to shelters through the Envision shuttle program.

“Residents have many options for seeking heat relief, including access to water parks, drinking fountains with potable water, and washrooms with potable water at various park locations throughout the city,” Helgason added.

For more on the heat response plan in Kamloops, go here.