Cooling and air quality relief centres available throughout the summer

As temperatures rise throughout the summer, the City of Welland is ready to open cooling and air quality relief centres when Environment Canada forecasts meet established activation thresholds.

These locations provide residents with a comfortable indoor space to cool down during periods of extreme heat or take shelter when poor air quality creates health risks.

Cooling centres will be activated when:

• The daytime high is forecast to reach 31°C or higher and the overnight low is forecast to remain at 20°C or higher for two consecutive days.
• The humidex is forecast to reach 40°C or higher for two consecutive days.

Air quality relief centres will be activated when Environment Canada issues an Air Quality Health Index reading of 9 or higher, indicating a high health risk.

When activated, residents can visit the following locations during regular operating hours:

• Welland Community Centre (atrium)
  145 Lincoln St.
  Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Welland Public Library (common area)
  60 East Main St.
  Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• LIV Communities Arena (community room, second floor)
  501 King St.

The LIV Communities Arena will be available only when cooling centres are activated and the facility is operating. Availability will be confirmed through the City's social media channels.

The City will announce all cooling centre and air quality relief centre activations on its website and social media channels.