Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Nanaimo which means temperatures may reach over 30 degrees, causing a strong risk of heat-related injuries for some residents.
The City of Nanaimo says they are working with other service providers to provide relief for residents and community members, and to combat the other factors associated with extreme heat.
According to the city’s website, Nanaimo offers a wide variety of ways for people to combat the heat for those who live or work outdoors. Those include cool-down centers located in recreation facilities in the Bowen Complex, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, and the Oliver Woods Community Centre.
Emergency program manager Evan Lloyd says the city is taking measures to ensure everyone is taken into consideration when it comes to extreme heat, but they need to look at the most vulnerable first.
“We are mainly concerned with people living alone and the elderly,” Lloyd says. “We are looking out for those who also don’t have the resources to keep cool, or adequate airflow where they live.”
According to a census taken in 2023, the construction industry makes up approximately 18 per cent of the jobs in Nanaimo. That means many people may be working outside during the increased heat, but Lloyd says there are several ways people can still combat the heat.
“[Seek] shade and avoid the heat as much as possible if people have to be outdoors,” he says. “If alternate arrangements can be made it is recommended, they, do it. Most of our public gathering spaces, such as malls, are climate-controlled areas.”
The average age for residents in Nanaimo’s 99,860 population is approximately 45, which according to research conducted this year by World Population Review means the city is exceeding the national average.
Lloyd says with the increased elderly demographic, during this heat, it is a great idea to check in with them more frequently.
“If you have older members or family members who might have health conditions it is a good idea to check in with them,” he says. “Especially if they don’t have air conditioning or access to proper supplies.”
According to the BC Coroners report, 16 people lost their lives in the province from July 26 to August 3 last year. Most of the deaths were recorded in people aged 70-79 and Lloyd says despite the efforts the city is making to combat the extreme temperatures, if anyone is feeling adverse health issues, they should seek emergency help.
“If people are experiencing negative outcomes, then they should seek out medical attention right away, and there is nothing wrong with doing so,” he says.
Lloyd says the city could potentially expand their response levels if conditions worsen, but right now they are focused on implementing the first phase which means providing shelter and cooling resources for those who need it.
For more information on the City of Nanaimo’s cooling resources, visit their website.
Increased temperatures have the potential to increase the risk of droughts and wildfires.
