The City of Kamloops has announced some changes to its operations this week because of the heat wave in the area.

Civic Operations Director, Jen Fretz, says some major construction projects – on Tranquille Road, Fleetwood Avenue and 3rd Avenue – are being shut down for the week.

She also says the city spray parks will stay open for an extra hour, opening at 9 a.m. instead of 10 a.m. They will still be open until 8 p.m. every day.

Further, the hours of operation at the Mission Flats landfill will be reduced tomorrow and Wednesday – the facility will be open from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. Check here for details.

A COVID-19 vaccine clinic at MacArthur Island has been closed because of the lack of air conditioning in the building. People with appointments there are being redirected to the clinic at the Tournament Capital Centre, with Interior Health noting the date and time of those appointments have not changed.

“[The heat wave] is keeping us busy with not only making sure that we are working with out municipal partners, that we have all of our heat plans activated, but also making sure that non of our vaccine gets too hot,” Medical Health Officer, Dr. Carol Fenton told NL News.

“The people who are most vulnerable are the people who are having to work outside, be physically active outside and people who have conditions that make them more vulnerable. The best thing we can do is to stay inside, stay in the shade, and stay hydrated.”

As reported last week, the Sandman Centre will be open as a cooling centre though the hours are being extended from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. until the end of the heat wave. Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc has also opened a cooling centre at the Sk’elep School of Excellence gym which will be open until 10 p.m. every day.

Several social agencies in the city are also working together to help people who are homeless cool off.

Fretz says the City will continue to monitor the forecast and make changes to its plans, as needed. If you have any question, you’re asked to call 250-828-3461.