WINNIPEG, MB - July 14, 2012 -The City of Winnipeg is inviting citizens to come in and cool off in any of the civic facilities open this weekend as hot, humid weather continues.
City facilities that are normally open on weekends will act as 'cooling centres' where the public may come in for relief from the heat, read a book or magazine, and have their personal water bottles refilled by City staff.
"We're happy to invite our citizens inside, to relax and cool off," said Mayor Sam Katz. "By extending hours for spray pads and some pools, and offering our open facilities as cooling centres, there are numerous options for people needing a break from the heat."
Facilities open this weekend (please check websites or contact 311 for specific hours):
Most City leisure centres are open Saturday and Sunday. For locations and hours, please contact 311 or visit winnipeg.ca/cms/recreation/facilities/leisurecentres/
The Millenium Library is open today (Saturday, July 14) from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
In addition, the following two libraries are open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday:
- St-Boniface, 100-131 boulevard Provencher
- Sir William Stephenson, 765 Keewatin Street
As announced July 11, the following outdoor swimming pools are offering extended hours to 8:00 p.m. daily, until further notice:
- Freight House - 200 Isabel Street
- Provencher - 590, Rue Langevin
- St. Vital - 5, Rue Des Meurons
- Westdale - 550 Dale Boulevard
- Transcona Centennial - 1101 Wabasha Street
- Lions Outdoor Pool - 969 Dowker Avenue
In addition, Kildonan Park Outdoor Pool at 2015 Main Street will remain open until 8:00 p.m.
On July 5th, operating hours were extended to open spray pads from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at nine locations across the city. Citizens are also reminded that there are many indoor pools located throughout the city.
For information on weekday/weekend hours of operation of spray pads, wading pools and indoor/outdoor swimming pools please contact 311 or visit:
Spray pads:
winnipeg.ca/cms/recreation/facilities/pools/spraypads.stm
Outdoor pools:
winnipeg.ca/cms/recreation/facilities/pools/outdoorpools.stm
Indoor pools:
winnipeg.ca/cms/recreation/facilities/pools/indoor_pools/indoorpools.stm
A temporary water trailer remains downtown near the Main Street Project and Salvation Army Booth Centre (180 Henry Avenue) to ensure vulnerable persons have a place to refill their personal bottles or containers with safe drinking water, especially during times when other facilities may be closed.
During the ongoing heat, Winnipeg Transit continues to run its nearly 190 air-conditioned buses on the longest routes, to provide as much comfort as possible. For Transit routes and information, contact 311 or visit https://winnipegtransit.com.
The City of Winnipeg reminds citizens to check on family and friends, especially those living without air-conditioning, and to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles even for a few minutes as temperatures can rise quickly and create a dangerous environment.
As heat continues into the week, City offices and facilities will continue to operate as cooling centres, on regularly-scheduled weekday hours until further notice.