Qualicum Beach, along with the rest of Vancouver Island, endured some severe heat wave events this summer
One resident raised concerns in a letter to Qualicum Beach council recently about the impact of the heat wave is having on the town’s mqny senior citizens.
“Projections indicate that these heat events are more than likely to not only persist but to increase in intensity,” said the resident, whose name was redacted, in a letter to council. “I would suggest that what we always have considered average summer temperatures are more likely to be a welcome aberration than the norm. This situation is increasingly impact our major demographic, as well as everyone, else. “
The correspondent told council about an incident at the Thursday night market when one of the vendors nearly passed out from the heat.
READ MORE: Records tumble as B.C. heat wave spreads, hitting 40 C
Global warming is an ongoing phenomenon that can’t be stopped, said the resident, who went on to suggest the town build four to five misting stations at strategic locations around the downtown area.
“This, I believe would go a long way towards not only protecting the lives of our senior citizens, but making the downtown experience far more bearable during extreme heat events,” the resident said.
The misting stations could be placed at Lee House, the shaded bench outside the Little Black Dress outlet, the square outside the town hall, on Memorial, Second Avenue, and at the children’s playground in the Community Park, said the resident.
Qualicum Beach mayor indicated at its regular council meeting on Sept. 7 that it was a “good idea.”
A motion was passed for town staff to provide a report during the 2024 budget process for council to consider installing public misting stations for extreme heat events.
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