Extreme heat - Montréal goes into Alert mode and does everything possible to help Montrealers cool off during high heat over the next few days

MONTRÉAL, July 7, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - With another high heat episode upon us, Montréal is going into Alert mode as specified in its Extreme Heat special response plan, and is doing everything possible to offer Montrealers several different ways to cool off while complying with public health directives issued by the Direction de santé publique.

Aquatic facilities
Montrealers of all ages can enjoy cooling off in Montréal's play fountains, wading pools and swimming pools. Using an online map (in French) residents can quickly locate facilities near them that are open. Please note that in some boroughs, there are temporary play fountains that have been set up for the heat wave.

Beaches
The Direction régionale de santé publique authorized beaches and other private and public natural settings to open as of June 22, 2020. Beaches at the Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques, the Parc-nature de L'Île-Bizard and the Verdun beach are open in compliance with physical distancing directives for aquatic activities. However, the beach at the Centre de plein air du Cap-Saint-Jacques, which is reserved for groups, will be closed this summer. The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau plans to open Plage Jean-Doré on July 11.

Montréal has implemented measures so that people can enjoy municipal aquatic facilities safely during the pandemic.

• Before going to the pool, Montrealers should evaluate the state of their health.
• People who present with symptoms of COVID-19, who have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or who are coming back from a trip outside the country over the past 14 days will not be allowed to enter.
• You should get ready at home -- take a shower, apply sunscreen and put on your bathing suit before you arrive on site.
• Wash your hands before and after swimming.
• Changing rooms are closed, but washrooms are open.
• Users must follow all directions from staff and comply with physical distancing at all times.

Please note that some boroughs must control periods of use so that a maximum number of residents can enjoy the water.

For more information about measures the city has implemented at aquatic facilities visit this page: Cooling off this summer (in French).   

Air-conditioned public places
On June 20, air-conditioned public places will also open. The public can enjoy air conditioning while complying with health directives, particularly physical distancing.
Using this online map (in French), residents can see which air-conditioned public places are open to them

Please note that a number of public places have now reopened and are accessible to residents who want to cool off.

Protecting yourself during a heat wave
During a heat wave, it is strongly recommended that you : 

• Drink lots of water without waiting to be thirsty
• Take frequent cool showers and baths
• Limit physical activity
• Wear light clothing

During the pandemic, there are lineups outside stores. Be sure to bring a hat and a water bottle!

The How to protect yourself during a heat wave on montreal.ca offers more information about prevention measures during high heat episodes.

Special response plan
Montréal's extreme heat special response plan comes into force when there is extreme heat, which is defined as a three-day forecast with daytime highs of 33 °C or higher and nighttime lows of 20 °C or higher, or when nighttime temperatures are higher than 25 °C for two consecutive nights.

SOURCE Ville de Montréal

Media relations, Ville de Montréal, [email protected]