Winnipeggers throw shade on heat wave

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This article was published 02/06/2023 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Four-year-old Lake Fox Komaransky used a water gun to soak his new friends at the Central Park splash pad while his mother and siblings kept cool under a nearby tree.

Sunshine Komaransky tries to take her three children to the park in the early morning three to four times per week.

“When it’s hot like this, you want your kids in the pool,” she said. “You just come sit under a tree and get wet.”

The humidex value is expected to climb to 38 this weekend, many families will head to community splash pads and find ways to stay hydrated and safe in the heat wave.

Winnipeg is expected to get record-breaking temperatures Saturday. The average high temperature for June 3 is 22.1 C, with a low of 8.7 C.

“We are about 10 degrees above average,” said Jim Prime of Environment and Climate Change Canada. “On Saturday, our record is 32.8 C and we’re forecasting 33 C, so we might beat it by 0.2 degrees.”

The weather agency issued a heat warning for southern Manitoba this weekend.

Lindsay Stevenson also cooled off in the Central Park splash pad Friday as she supervised a group of students. After living in a three-storey apartment with no air conditioning, she understands the need to keep cool during heat warnings.

“I do well in the heat, but it’s a real struggle, especially when you’re trying to sleep,” said Stevenson.

Extreme heat affects everyone.

To prevent heat illness, Environment Canada suggests people plan outdoor activities during cooler times of the day, take a cool shower or bath, wear loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and access air-conditioned buildings or shaded areas.

It’s important to check on family, friends and neighbours who live alone, are elderly or have a health condition, and to never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle.

During heat waves, local organizations such as CommUNITY 204 and the Bear Clan Patrol provide hats, reusable and disposable water bottles, snacks, and harm reduction supplies to marginalized communities downtown.

“We check on everybody,” says Kevin Walker, executive director of Bear Clan Patrol, a community organization that provides peace, security and safety in the city.

“If somebody’s not looking so well, we’ll talk to them and make sure they’re OK mentally and physically, and if they need water or anything to eat,” said Walker.

CommUNITY 204, which focuses on helping marginalized and houseless people, has set up three portable hydration stations downtown near the Salvation Army, Main Street Project, and homeless encampments along Higgins Avenue.

Twenty to 60 volunteers will participate in a community cleanup Saturday with Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre at its McGregor Avenue location and set up a hydration station during peak temperatures.

Daniel Hidalgo, the founder and director of CommUNITY 204, said he wants to help people who are often stuck in survival mode and make sure they stay hydrated and safe during extreme heat warnings.

Last weekend, the organization handed out 75 reusable water bottles and eight flats of 40 disposable water bottles. Volunteers patrol Main Street every Friday at 6 p.m. and respond to extreme heat waves.

“It’s a really good chance to get people engaged, and to come interact with the community in a safe and positive way,” said Hidalgo.

He said he often cares for people in distress who show signs of heat exhaustion and illness, which include swelling, a rash, cramps, fainting, fatigue and nausea. Signs of heat stroke include headache, hot skin and dizziness or confusion.

To reduce the effects of heat illness, 211 services encourage people to go to air-conditioned leisure centres and city libraries that are designated “cooling areas.”

Three hydration stations are available in Central Park (near 406 Edmonton St.); Selkirk Avenue at Powers Street (near 469 Selkirk Ave. at the Bell Tower); and the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre (near 185 Young St.).

tessa.adamski@freepress.mb.ca