Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for today with temperatures expected to rise as high as 31 C, or 36 C with the humidex.
While the city has no officially designated cooling stations, they suggest public libraries, malls, and public facilities like the John Rhodes Centre as places to go.
Not only are these places nice and cool, but they have other activities as well.
Besides books, the Centennial Public Library has board games, access to computers, and more.
The Station Mall is happy to have more visitors.
“We’ve heard the word is out that we’re a great place to cool down in the Sault. We are well air-conditioned and we encourage people to come down. While they’re here they can eat, relax, and shop as well,” said Melissa Cuglietta, The Station Mall’s Marketing Coordinator.
Algoma Public Health issued some suggestions to fight the heat.
- Try to avoid being out in the sun in peak hours of 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Wear a hat
- Wear looser fitting clothing
- Take cold showers or baths
- Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol, coffee, and soda
- Reschedule any outdoor athletic practices
- Cook during cooler times of the day
- Keep the shades drawn in your living space
- Share air conditioned spaces with friends
“One tip people might not realize is that they can run cold water over their wrists and that really helps to cool down quickly,’ said Public Health Inspector Kara Flannigan.
These are particularly important tips for the vulnerable and most at risk people, which include young children, the chronically ill, the elderly, and those who are engaging in physical activity like athletes or labourers.
Information about library hours and other temperature-friendly locations are posted below:
Centennial Library - 50 East Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 3C3, 705-759-5230
Monday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday: closed
Korah Branch - 556 Goulais Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6C 5A7, 705-759-5249
Monday - Wednesday: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: closed
Churchill Branch - 301 Lake Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 4B5, 705-759-5248
Monday - Wednesday: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: closed
Other locations to go to:
John Rhodes Community Centre (260 Elizabeth Street) - 705-759-5419
Station Mall (293 Bay Street) - 705-946-7239
Cambrian Mall (44 Great Northern Road) - 705-759-4900
Market Mall (275 Second Line West) - 705-254-7329
Wellington Square Mall (625 Trunk Road) - 705-759-5000