WINNIPEG, MB - July 19, 2012 - The City of Winnipeg is inviting citizens to come in and cool off in civic facilities during regular operating hours today, and into the weekend as hot, humid weather continues.
City facilities that normally are open on weekdays and weekends will continue to act as 'cooling areas' where the public may come in for relief from the heat, read a book or magazine, and have access to drinking water.
"The City is again extending an invitation for citizens to come in and cool off at open City facilities," said Mayor Sam Katz. "We also want to remind citizens to look in on family and friends during ongoing hot weather."
For regular operating hours, please check websites or contact 311.
Facilities open this weekend:
Leisure Centres
Most City leisure centres are open Saturday and Sunday. For locations and hours, please contact 311 or visit winnipeg.ca/cms/recreation/facilities/leisurecentres/
Libraries
The Millennium Library is open Saturdays 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 Saturdays:
- St-Boniface, 100-131 boulevard Provencher
- Sir William Stephenson, 765 Keewatin Street
All library locations and hours can be obtained by contacting 311 or visiting https://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/
Pools, Spray Pads
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 is open until 8:00 p.m. Citizens are also reminded that there are many indoor pools located throughout the city.
Spray pads operate from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at nine locations across 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
Transit
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.
Access to Water
A temporary water trailer will be in place 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.
Safety
When using additional cooling appliances such as portable air conditioners, citizens are reminded not to overload electrical circuits as this can create a fire risk. Use dedicated circuits, and plug the unit directly into a receptacle, without the use of extension cords. For seasonal electrical safety tips, visit http://www.hydro.mb.ca/.
Citizens are also reminded to never leave people or pets unattended in parked vehicles even for a few minutes, as temperatures can rise quickly and create a dangerous environment.
As heat continues, City offices and facilities will continue to operate as cooling areas, on regularly-scheduled weekday and weekend hours until further notice.