City Reminds Residents to Stay Cool and Safe in the Summer Heat

Maple Ridge, B.C., July 28, 2025 – With another stretch of hot weather on the way, the City of Maple Ridge is reminding residents to stay safe and take steps to prepare for the heat.

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

• 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. See locations at MapleRidge.ca/Facilities.
• Take a splash at the City’s water parks. See locations at MapleRidge.ca/SprayParks.

Cooling Centre Activation

If a Heat Warning is issued, the Greg Moore Youth Centre (11925 Haney Place) will open as a cooling centre from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with hours adjusted as needed based on daily temperatures.

Support for Vulnerable Populations

During heat warning events:

• Bylaw Compliance Officers and Community Safety Officers provide outreach, wellness checks, and water to unhoused residents through the Community Resource Hub and partner agencies.
• 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.

Stay Safe in the Heat

Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Limit outdoor activity between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Stay hydrated—drink water regularly. Many City parks have drinking fountains.
• Dress for the weather—wear light, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Never leave children or pets in vehicles, even for a short time.
• Check in on others—especially seniors, children, and people with health conditions.

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:

• Province of BC Heat Preparedness Guide
• Fraser Health Sun Safety – www.fraserhealth.ca/sunsafety
• HealthLink BC Beat the Heat – www.healthlinkbc.ca/more/health-features/beat-heat
• Free Air Conditioner Program for low-income-qualified households

Understanding Heat Alerts

• Heat Warning: Issued when daytime highs are forecast at 33°C or above and nighttime lows remain 17°C or warmer for two consecutive days.
• Extreme Heat Emergency: Declared when these conditions persist and intensify over three or more 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.

For additional information, contact Edd Bennett, Corporate Emergency Program Manager at EmergencyProgram@MapleRidge.ca.