Amherstburg has opened a cooling station as an extended heat warning remains in effect across Windsor and Essex County, with Environment Canada forecasting temperatures to feel as hot as 43°C with the humidity through the end of the week.
The warning, issued by Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Medical Officer of Health for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, started Monday, June 29 and is expected to last until Friday, July 3, possibly stretching into the weekend. Daytime highs are predicted to hit 36°C, with humidex values near 43, meeting the threshold for an extended heat warning – three or more consecutive days with daytime highs at or above 31°C and nighttime lows at or above 21°C, or a humidex above 42.
For residents without adequate air conditioning at home, the Town of Amherstburg has set up the Libro Credit Union Centre at 3295 Meloche Road as a place to cool off. The centre’s hours during the heat event are: Wednesday, July 1 (Canada Day) from noon to 8:00 PM – only the lobby will be open with no other facility amenities available; Thursday, July 2 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; and Friday, July 3 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The Libro Credit Union Centre is a 165,000-square-foot recreation facility that opened in 2011 and holds a LEED-Silver certification for its environmentally friendly design. It includes indoor walking tracks, recreation areas, and meeting spaces, offering plenty of room for people seeking relief from the dangerous heat.
Health officials are urging residents to watch for warning signs of heat-related illness like dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, weakness, and confusion. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention. People most at risk include older adults, infants and young children, those who work or exercise outside, and anyone with certain medical conditions. Officials also stress the importance of staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, and checking on neighbours who may be more vulnerable during the hot weather.
