Cooling spaces and misting tents open in Surrey and White Rock amid heat alert

Community cooling locations and misting tents are open in Surrey and White Rock after the Homelessness Services Association of B.C. issued a heat alert for conditions feeling like 29 C or higher. Environment Canada forecast temperatures of at least 25 C near the White Rock waterfront and 30 C inland.

In Surrey, Bill Reid Place, Gateway Shelter and Hyland House Newton are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with misting tents and water; all are pet-friendly. Nightshift Ministries is open weekdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a drop-in centre, misting tent and water. Pacific Community Resources Society’s CCYH and NYH locations offer weekday indoor cooling areas and water for youth up to age 19, with showers also available at CCYH.

In White Rock, the Sources Peace Point Overdose Prevention Site at 15521 Russell Ave. is open weekdays from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. It offers indoor relief from the sun, water and harm-reduction supplies.

The City of Surrey says its recreation and community centres, libraries and the Museum of Surrey are also available to anyone seeking relief from extreme heat. Several facilities, including designated sites in Cloverdale, Guildford, Fleetwood, South Surrey, Whalley/City Centre and Newton, welcome pets.