Be Prepared and Stay Safe in the Summer Heat

Maple Ridge, B.C., July 3, 2024 – As the weather warms up, the City of Maple Ridge reminds residents to be prepared and stay safe during forecasted high temperatures. 

The City is monitoring weather alerts from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the BC Heat Alert and Response System and is prepared to respond. 

Where to Cool Down in the City

  • Stay cool at air-conditioned facilities, including the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre, Greg Moore Youth Centre, Albion Community Centre, Maple Ridge Library, and local malls. The location of facilities can be found at MapleRidge.ca/Facilities. 
  • Take a splash at the City’s water parks. The location of spray parks can be found at MapleRidge.ca/SprayParks.

Cooling Centre Activation 

Once a heat warning is issued, the City will open a cooling centre at the Greg Moore Youth Centre (11925 Haney Place) from 11:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. The hours can be adapted depending on the temperature of the day. 

Support for Vulnerable Populations

During heat warning events, the City’s Bylaw Compliance Officers and Community Safety Officers work with unhoused residents through the Community Resource Hub and partner agencies to provide wellness checks, hand out water, and ensure that support services are available. 

  • The Community Resource Hub will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during any heat event and will provide water and misting stations. 
  • The Salvation Army (22188 Lougheed Hwy) will be open daily between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and provides a cooling centre, meals, shower, and laundry services. 

Residents are advised to take the following precautions:

  • Limit outdoor time between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the heat and sun are most intense. Stay in shaded areas such as parks and trails.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking water. Many of the City’s parks have drinking fountains.
  • Dress accordingly by wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
  • Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.
  • Check in on friends, family members and neighbours who may need help.

For more information about the City’s extreme heat response plan, visit MapleRidge.ca/heat.  

Health-related and emergency preparedness information can be found at: 

About Heat Warnings

There are two levels of heat alerts: 

Heat Warning – issued when two or more consecutive days of daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 33°C or warmer, and nighttime minimum temperatures are expected to fall to 17°C or warmer.

Extreme Heat Alert – issued when heat warning criteria have been met and the forecast indicates that daily highs will substantively increase for three or more consecutive days.

Stay Informed

Residents are advised to sign up for Alert Maple Ridge at MapleRidge.ca/Alert to receive emergency and other notifications and follow the city’s social media channels for the latest updates.

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For additional information, contact:

Edd Bennett, Corporate Emergency Program Manager
T 604 467 3063 E ebennett@mapleridge.ca