Misting station at McArthur Island (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

COOLING OPTIONS

‘Steady uptake’ for new heat response passes in Kamloops as city installs new misting stations

Aug 11, 2025 | 4:29 PM

KAMLOOPS — The second heat warning of the summer brings with it another chance for vulnerable populations to access the city’s cooling options.

So far this year, through the first heat event in July and then on Sunday (Aug. 10), 11 people have utilized the new heat response passes, for access to activities like swimming or skating. Those in need of cooling options during extreme heat are advised to make contact with local social agencies.

“They can visit a variety of social agencies around the community that have the passes available,” said Ty Helgason, Kamloops’ emergency preparedness manager.

“All they will need to do is present there and express that they need a safe place to cool down and they will be given a pass. There isn’t a long questionnaire or anything like that. And to find details on where those are, I would recommend people go to the city’s website for that information.”

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The 11 pass uses so far is about on par with the low level of use of the Sandman Centre in recent years, which was costing the community more money to operate. In years past, the city had to staff the Sandman Centre when it was used as a cooling centre. The arena and swimming pools are already staffed during heat responses with other activities, resulting in an overall savings.

The city has also completed the installation of a number of misting stations for general use.

“They are all functioning now,” outlined Helgason. “We have the two here on McArthur Island — the one that we are standing by is at the skatepark, the other one is over near the soccer fields. We have one at the North Shore transit exchange and then we have provided some different coolers for the Gathering Place downtown.”

The current heat warning in Kamloops is expected to last until Wednesday (Aug. 13).