In a bid to battle the heat in New Westminster, City staff say they’ve managed to distribute 19 air conditioners that have been installed in common rooms of local high-risk buildings, including apartments.

The information was shared in a report that went out ahead of the Monday, Aug. 28 city council meeting.

There are still 15 more air conditioners in similar buildings that will need to be installed, with that work set to wrap up by the end of the summer.

One of the other groups that the City is working with—Fraser Health Home Health—has helped to get 25 smaller air conditioning units to those who can’t for whatever reason leave their space.

Other things the city is working on to combat the heat?

Another related initiative includes the “Cool Callers” program. This program is meant to allow seniors and the elderly to connect with someone over the phone as needed—to make sure they’re doing OK.

The program appears to be similar to that of the Friendly Support Calls initiative, in which staff and volunteers reach out to those 60 and older to connect on a regular basis. The initiative was common during the COVID-19 pandemic. More information on the Cool Callers program is expected soon.

There’s also the Stay Cool map, which will show you where to find places like cooling centres, water parks, shaded areas, and drinking fountains. You can access those resources online.

The City of New Westminster has been working to try and come up with a response plan after dozens of people died during the 2021 heat dome. Our city had the highest mortality rate, at about 41 deaths per 100,000 people. 

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