Montreal Is Going Into 'Alert Mode' For Extreme Heat & Reopening Some Outdoor Pools

As extreme heat bears down on the city, Montreal is going into "alert mode." Officials announced the reopening of "air-conditioned public places," some pools, and the Cap-Saint-Jacques beach so that residents can get some relief during the Montreal heatwave. The city says it's "doing everything possible to offer Montrealers several different ways to cool off while complying with public health directives around COVID-19 issued by the Direction de santé publique." 

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for much of southern Quebec, including Monreal Island, the Châteauguay–La Prairie area, Laval, and the Longueuil–Varennes area.

The agency predicts a high temperature of 33 C on Friday with the humidex reaching a scorching 40.

"The warm and humid airmass lingering over Southern Quebec for the [past] few days will persist through Tuesday," it writes.

"In hot weather, your health or your family and neighbours' health can deteriorate rapidly."

According to the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, the city enters "alert mode" when a prolonged period of high heat presents an "imminent threat."

In preparation, the city is moving ahead with the gradual reopening of "its outdoor pools and some wading pools beginning Saturday, June 20."

It will post updates about which pools are opening on this online map.

So far, the pools scheduled to reopen on June 20 include the Piscine de la Fontaine on Île des Soeurs, and the Parc Lucie-Bruneau pool and Parc Roger-Rousseau pool in Anjou.

The city asks pool-goers to "get ready at home — take a shower, apply sunscreen and put on your bathing suit before you arrive on site" — and "wash your hands before and after swimming."

"Changing rooms are closed, but washrooms are open."

Pool staff will enforce social distancing "at all times" and "some boroughs must control periods of use so that a maximum number of residents can enjoy the water." 

[rebelmouse-image 26884739 photo_credit="Environment Canada" expand=1 original_size="480x432"] Environment Canada

"Authorized beaches and other private and public natural settings" will also begin to reopen starting June 22.

Only the Cap-Saint-Jacques beach is scheduled to open on that date.

Excitingly, opening dates for the popular Parc-nature de L'Île-Bizard and Verdun beaches "will be announced over the next few days."

[rebelmouse-image 26884740 photo_credit="Environment Canada" expand=1 original_size="852x731"] Environment Canada

Moreover, play fountains have already begun to reopen across Montreal.

Other recommended heatwave safety precautions are outlined on the city's website.

Stay safe out there!

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