Summerland will be looking at options for water fill and cooling stations for the community in the event of another extreme summer heat event.
At the Summerland council meeting on Jan. 24, Coun. Erin Trainer presented a motion asking for $25,000 to be allocated from the Asset Management Reserve for the purchase of two portable water fill stations and two portable shade tents, and also for staff to research options for a permanent water fill station in Memorial Park.
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The motion came following the extreme weather of 2021, during a multi-day heat dome weather event. Close to 600 deaths province-wide were attributed to the extreme heat.
In Summerland, the temperature reached 44.7 C on June 30 as a result of the heat dome.
Elsewhere, Lytton recorded a temperature of 49.6C on June 29, shattering Canada’s all-time high-temperature record of 45.0, set in Saskatchewan in 1937.
Prior to 2021, the hottest temperature ever recorded in Summerland was 40.0, on July 16 and July 17, 1941.
Trainer said the water and shade will be needed in the future. “As the impacts of climate change continue to increase, municipalities are looking at ways to reduce their carbon emissions, adapt to a changing climate and help their citizens cope during these challenging times,” she said.
Members of council had mixed views on the water station and shade tents.
Coun. Richard Barkwill said the community’s arena was made available for cooling during the extreme heat, but it was not well used. He added that a business in Summerland is already selling water in the community.
Coun. Marty Van Alphen suggested a tap installed in Memorial Park rather than the portable water fill stations.
Others, including Coun. Doug Patan, liked the concept of water and shade stations.
The motion to allocate funds for the water and shade stations was defeated. However, a second motion was presented, directing staff to research options for water fill and cooling stations.
The options will be presented to council no later than May.
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