DTES advocates looking for water, sunscreen donations for unhoused as city swelters
As the first sustained heat of the season settles in across British Columbia’s south coast, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a special weather statement advising people of high temperatures and humidex values through Monday.
Saturday temperatures reached 31 degrees in parts of the Fraser Valley Saturday but it was cooler along the coast where many people packed Vancouver’s beaches to take advantage of the rising temperatures.
"I think if it stays like this for the next two or three months it will be just wonderful,” said Rogayeh Tabrizi as she strolled the sea wall in Stanley Park.
The above average temperatures do have some people concerned and that is why ECCC issued the special weather statement.
"According to the epidemiologists at BC CDC and health authorities, the first heat of the season has an impact in terms of affecting susceptible populations, the at-risk populations," said Armel Castellan, an extreme weather meteorologist with ECCC.
One year ago this week, hundreds of people in B.C. died as the province sweltered under an unprecedented heat dome.
Many of the people who lost their lives were seniors or people with compromised immune systems living alone in apartments with no air conditioning.
Saturday, on the Downtown Eastside, staff with the Overdose Prevention Society handed out free bottles of water in an effort to keep people hydrated – and alive.
"Some folks are drug users and sometimes they’re having an overdose,"said OPS’s Sarah Blyth. "And you don’t want to have heatstroke-slash-overdose. It’s just so complicated."
OPS is asking for donations of water, Gatorade, hats and sunscreen that can be distributed to people living on the streets who may be particularly susceptible to the risks associated with extreme weather
Donations can be dropped off at 41 East Hastings Street.
"Even on the best of days people are dying down here," Blyth said. "So, when it gets really hot or it gets really cold it creates more challenges for people."
Municipalities across the region have also opened cooling centres so people can access air conditioning.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.