The City of Vernon continues to closely monitor the extreme heat event in the North Okanagan and is working in close collaboration with community partners to provide access to water and cool indoor spaces for those who may be vulnerable to the impacts of the heat.
Based on the seven-day forecast from Environment Canada, the extreme daytime temperatures in Vernon are expected to begin tapering off toward the end of this week, with Saturday to Tuesday expected to reach highs in the low 30’s. Therefore, the drop-in community cooling centre at Kal Tire Place (3445 43rd Avenue) will remain accessible to residents, visitors and their pets until Sunday, July 4. The cooling centre will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day until July 4.
On Monday, July 5, Kal Tire Place will resume its normal hours of operation and will be accessible for indoor walking from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pre-registration for walking will no longer be required, in accordance with Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan and amended Health Orders.
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 (and their pets, if necessary) to and from the cooling centre and is available for service from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, until Sunday, July 4. This shuttle is not available for other destinations.
To access the shuttle service, please call 250-545-7286, extension 206, and request a booking for the ‘Cooling Centre Shuttle.’ Users of the service are reminded to book a ride in both directions, if required.
For further updates and information on the City’s response to the heat event, please visit vernon.ca. For updates on hours of operation and access to the Vernon branch of the Okanagan Regional Library, please visit its Facebook page or website.
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