The South Okanagan Events Centre is pictured in this June 5, 2018 file photo.
Image Credit: FILE PHOTO
June 28, 2021 - 2:23 PM
The mayor of Penticton is asking residents to look out for one another as the City opens up the South Okanagan Events Centre as a cooling centre.
The arena will be open to both residents and visitors alike as temperatures soar during what is being called an historic heat wave.
“In addition to the SOEC, other civic facilities such as city hall, the public library, and the Seniors’ Drop-in Centre are good options for people needing temporary relief from the heat,” emergency operations centre acting director Anthony Haddad said in a media release. “The City is arranging for water at these locations and our bylaw services officers are also watching out and carrying water for people in need in the community.”
A call centre has been set up to answer questions about places to stay cool, accessing water, dealing with the heat or caring for pets. You can call 250-490-2345 or go check out this online took kit.
“I can’t emphasize enough the importance for us to look out for each other during this heat wave,” Mayor John Vassilaki said in the release.
“We are especially concerned about our seniors and our citizens who are not able to escape the heat as they may not have air conditioning or suitable shelter. Please introduce a buddy system and check on your family, friends, neighbours, seniors, fellow citizens and their pets to ensure they are not in any danger from this extreme heat.”
The events centre will be open from 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. as of today, June 28 through to Friday, July 2. It will stay open on the Canada Day holiday, July 1, as will the library’s foyer.
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