Thanks to collaborative efforts between the City of Vernon and community partner organizations, additional resources have been put in place to help residents and visitors escape the heat and stay safe this week.
Okanagan Regional Library – extended hours
The Vernon branch of the Okanagan Regional Library (2800 30th Avenue) will be extending its operating hours this long weekend. The library will be open Sunday and Monday for residents and visitors to escape the heat, rest, and use the library’s services. The library is open for the following hours over the next several days:
- Thursday, July 28:10 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 29:10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 30:10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, July 31: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Monday, August 1: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
A reminder that the community cooling centre at Kal Tire Place (3445 43rd Avenue) is also open 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, until Monday, August 1.
Transportation assistance
For those who may be facing transportation challenges to access the cooling centre, Vernon Regional Transit has established a shuttle service, at no cost to the user. The shuttle will take Vernon residents to and from the cooling centre or the public library, and is available for service from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, until Monday, August 1. This shuttle is not available for other destinations.
The Kal Tire Place cooling centre is pet friendly, which means riders may bring their pet on board the shuttle. Please remember that pets must remain on leash, and while they’re at the cooling centre, they must be in a kennel in a designated area of the arena. Please bring a water bowl, food, and treats (if necessary) for your animal.
To access the shuttle service, please call 250-309-8503, and provide a clearly identifiable location for pickup (i.e., a residential or business address or a cross street).
Where can I find publicly accessible drinking water and washrooms?
The City of Vernon would like to thank all of the community partners, social service agencies, businesses, volunteers, emergency responders, and City staff who have been working diligently to support community members and visitors during this heat wave. Together, we are taking steps to care for ourselves and each other.
For more information about the City’s response to the heat wave, details about where to find public access to drinking water, information on our pop-up spray parks, and heat safety tips, please visit www.vernon.ca/news.
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