Yellow Heat Warning and Yellow Air Quality Warning in Effect – Be Prepared and Stay Safe

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Maple Ridge, B.C., July 22, 2026 – Residents are encouraged to take precautions as a Yellow Heat Warning is in effect for Maple Ridge through the end of day. This is in addition to the Yellow Air Quality Warning issued by Metro Vancouver Regional District. 

A ridge of high pressure is bringing elevated temperatures to the region. A gradual cooling trend is expected later this week.  

Metro Vancouver Regional District has also issued a yellow air quality warning due to elevated levels of ground-level ozone, also known as smog, and fine particulate matter. Air quality conditions are expected to improve by the weekend with a change in the weather. 

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 Maple Ridge 

  • Stay cool at air-conditioned facilities, including the Maple Ridge Leisure 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  

Once an orange heat warning is issued, the City will open a cooling centre  from 11:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. The hours can be adjusted depending on the day's temperature. 

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.  

How to Stay Safe in the Heat 

  • Limit outdoor time between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when heat and sun are most intense. 
  • Stay in shaded areas when outdoors, such as parks and trails. 
  • Drink water regularly, even before you feel thirsty. 
  • Use drinking fountains available in many City parks. 
  • Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. 
  • Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle. 
  • Check in on friends, family members, neighbours, seniors, and others who may need help. 

How to Reduce Exposure to Poor Air Quality 

  • Use the Air Quality Health Index, AQHI, to help make decisions about outdoor plans, including hiking, sports, beach visits, and other outdoor activities.
  • Use a portable HEPA air cleaner if available or make your own.  
  • Use air conditioning where available. 
  • Spend time indoors in cooler, cleaner-air spaces and keep windows and doors closed. 
  • Wear a well-fitted N95, KN95, or KF94 mask outdoors for better protection from fine particles. 
  • Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activity. 
  • Manage chronic conditions and carry rescue medications, such as inhalers. 

Get Support to Cool Your Living Space 

During longer stretches of hot weather, indoor temperatures can stay high even after the sun goes down. Residents can look into the following supports and programs: 

  • Cooler Condos Guide, which provides practical information for B.C. strata buildings on overheating risks and cooling options. 
  • Strata Energy Advisor Program through ZEIC’s BC Retrofit Accelerator for support with planning building upgrades and finding available rebates. 
  • CleanBC Energy Coach or certified Energy Advisor for advice on upgrades that can help make homes cooler and more energy efficient. 
  • LandlordBC’s Rental Apartment Retrofit Accelerator, a free program that provides expert engineering support to plan energy upgrades that can improve cooling and comfort. 
  • BC Hydro rebates offers rebates select high-efficiency air conditioners and air purifiers. People referred through regional health authority programs may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner. 

More Information 

For more information about the City’s extreme heat response plan, visit MapleRidge.ca/Heat. Health, cooling and emergency preparedness information is available at: 

Stay Informed 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Alertable at MapleRidge.ca/Alert to receive emergency and other notifications. Residents can also follow the City’s social media channels for updates. 

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

 

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Media contact:  

Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement 
T 604 466 4319   C 778 955 4249  E media@mapleridge.ca