With hotter temperatures in the forecast this week, the City of Penticton is reminding residents to stay safe by drinking plenty of water, staying cool and checking in on your neighbours.
“Our Parks and Public Works teams have installed new water bottle fill stations this season, expanding access to fresh drinking water and supporting the health and well-being of our community,” says Kristen Dixon, general manager of infrastructure. “By making clean drinking water more available in parks and other public spaces, we’re encouraging active lifestyles and strengthening our commitments to a vibrant, safe and resilient city.”
City staff has also been upgrading several existing water fill stations across the city, making them more accessible. The newest water fill stations, installed since fall last year, are at the following locations:
- Riverside Park
- Lakeshore Drive (near Power Street)
- Okanagan Lake Park
- City Hall
- Skaha Lake Park (by the east washrooms)
- Lion’s Park
- King’s Park
- Kinney Parkette
- Penticton Public Library & Museum
A map of all water station locations across the city can be viewed at penticton.ca/water-stations. Also, watch for the City’s Quench Buggy water fill station at major events, including the upcoming Peach Festival. This buggy also has misting station installed to cool off on hot days, which has been set up at Lion’s Park this week.
As part of our ongoing efforts to provide opportunities to stay cool, an all-ages cooling hub with misters is currently under construction at Gyro Park and will be available soon, thanks in part to a UBCM Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaption Grant, as announced last month. This new addition will complement our existing two splash pads located at Lakawanna Park and Skaha Lake Park, with more information available at penticton.ca/splash.
Residents and visitors who want to beat the heat may also visit the following facilities:
- Penticton Community Centre (325 Power Street)
- Penticton Public Library (785 Main Street)
- Penticton Seniors’ Drop-In Centre (2965 Main Street)
- South Okanagan Events Centre walking track (835 Eckhardt Avenue)
"With Environment and Climate Change Canada issuing the first heat warning of the summer, we want to remind everyone to take steps to stay safe as the temperatures climb,” says Amanda Newell, emergency program manager. “Visit penticton.ca/prepare for tips, tools and City services available to help beat the heat. Don’t forget to check on neighbours, and please avoid walking dogs on hot pavement during peak hours."
Get more tips about how to beat the heat at penticton.ca/beat-the-heat. The Provincial government also has a detailed plan on PreparedBC on how to prepare and cope with the higher temperatures.