Staying cool, stay connected 

There's no question Kelowna summers can get hot. 

For many of us, a sunny afternoon at the beach or an evening on the patio is part of what makes living in the Okanagan so special. But as temperatures continue to rise and extreme heat events become more frequent, staying safe during the hottest days of summer is becoming increasingly important.  

Not only is extreme heat uncomfortable, but it can be dangerous. Older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic health conditions, those who live alone, people experiencing homelessness or housing instability and others can be more vulnerable to heat-related illness.  

That's why the City of Kelowna works with community partners, health agencies and local organizations year-round to prepare for extreme heat and help residents stay safe when temperatures climb.  

British Columbia uses a three-level Heat Alert and Response System (HARS) to communicate heat risk and guide public response.  

A plan is your best safety tool 

The best time to prepare for extreme heat is before it arrives. 

Think about where you can go if your home becomes too hot. This could be a library, recreation centre, shopping centre, shaded park or a friend's air-conditioned home. Having a few options in mind ahead of time can make a big difference when temperatures spike.  

Simple actions can also help keep your home cooler: 

• Close blinds and curtains during the day 
• Block direct sunlight where possible 
• Keep windows closed during peak heat hours 
• Prepare cool drinks and ice in advance 
• Set up the coolest room in your home for sleeping  

Looking out for one another 

One of the most effective ways to reduce heat-related illness is also one of the simplest: check in on people around you. 

A quick phone call, text message or visit can make a meaningful difference for someone who may be struggling in the heat. Older adults living alone, neighbours without air conditioning, friends with health challenges and socially isolated residents may need extra support on the hottest days.  

Heat illness can develop quickly. Watch for symptoms such as heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, fainting or difficulty speaking. Severe heat illness is a medical emergency and requires immediate assistance.  

How the City helps 

When heat alerts are issued, the City provides updated information, promotes places to cool off and coordinates with partners through the Heat Relief Network. Depending on the level of alert, cooling centres may be activated or expanded, outreach services may increase and public communications will provide the latest information on available resources.  

Through its Climate Resilient Kelowna strategy, the City is planning and investing in ways to reduce the impacts of extreme heat on residents. This includes protecting and expanding the urban tree canopy, encouraging climate-resilient landscaping, designing cooler public spaces and considering climate impacts in future infrastructure and neighbourhood planning. 

Residents can always find relief from the heat at a variety of locations throughout Kelowna, including libraries, recreation centres, City facilities, parks, beaches and waterparks. During heat alerts, additional cooling options may also become available.  

Vulnerable populations such as those sheltering outside or experiencing housing instability are being supported through additional outreach efforts, in partnership with community organizations. 

Ready for whatever summer brings 

Extreme heat is becoming a more common part of life in the Okanagan, but a little preparation can go a long way. 

By making a plan, knowing where to cool down, recognizing the signs of heat-related illness and checking in on people who may need support, we can help keep ourselves, and our community, safe all summer long.  

Learn more about heat alerts, cooling locations and ways to prepare at kelowna.ca/extremeheat.