A heat warning is in effect for the region. Warming began on Wednesday and will continue through to Sunday with daytime highs ranging from 29 to 35 degrees Celsius. It may feel hotter with the humidity.

• The duration of this heat wave is expected to last at least three days, and little relief is expected at night.
• These hotter than normal temperatures will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses.
• Environment Canada and local Medical Health Officers expect an increase in health and safety risks from heat and are advising the public to take precautions.

We will continue to monitor updates from Environment Canada as the week progresses and make updates to this page.

• We remind residents to stay hydrated and stay in the shade if air conditioning is not accessible. Local businesses (malls, retail spaces etc.) also offer a break from the heat.
• Don’t forget to check up on friends, family and neighbours, and especially the elderly when temperatures increase.
• When a heat warning comes into effect the District of Saanich works closely with Environment Canada, Island Health and neighbouring municipalities to deliver a coordinated regional response.
• Families can beat the heat at water parks in Saanich, including Beckwith Park and the Uptown Shopping Centre.
  • Both are accessible by transit, and route information can be found at bctransit.com

Members of the public may visit Saanich’s G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre, Cedar Hill Recreation Centre or Gordon Head Recreation Centre to take a break from the heat.

• These three centres are air conditioned and able to accommodate residents and controlled pets.
• There is convenient transit near to all three centres, with route information available at bctransit.com

Facility hours are as follows:

	Thursday, August 12	Friday, August 13	Saturday, August 14	Sunday, August 15	Monday, August 16
G. R. Pearkes Recreation Centre	6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.	6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.	7 a.m. – 6 p.m.	7a.m – 2 p.m.	6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Gordon Head Recreation Centre	6 a.m. – 10 p.m.	6 a.m. – 10 p.m.	8 a.m. – 6 p.m.	12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.	6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cedar Hill Recreation Centre	7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.	7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.	8 a.m. – 4 p.m.	8 a.m. – 12 p.m.	7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 Island Health has a helpful resource page for heat safety, which outline symptoms of heat-related illness, and other information.

Symptoms of heat-related illness

The symptoms of heat-related illness can range from mild to severe. They include:

• Pale, cool, moist skin
• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Rash
• Swelling, especially hands and feet
• Fatigue and weakness
• Lightheadedness and/or fainting
• Headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• More severe symptoms – including high fever, hallucinations, seizures and unconsciousness – require urgent medical attention. Call 911, move to a cool place, and cool the person with water and fanning.

Check on each other

Anyone can suffer from heat-related illness – but some are at greater risk than others. Please make sure to check the following people regularly for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

• Infants and young children
• People aged 65 or older
• People with disabilities, cognitive or otherwise, who may need assistance in monitoring their well-being
• Those who require ongoing medication for conditions such as heart or breathing problems
• People who work or exercise outside
• Check in on those who live alone.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, relatives, friends, and neighbours should check in regularly with vulnerable people by phone or video.
• Stay hydrated
• Drink more fluids regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar, as these are less helpful in keeping your body hydrated.
  
  

Thank you for looking out for each other, stay safe and cool!