Article content
To cope with the heat wave affecting millions of Canadians this week, many Londoners are finding refuge in dedicated cooling centres, air-conditioned public spaces that are the best, or only, option for some.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Central Branch of the London Public Library attracted people looking to escape the heat, as temperatures reached 32 C Tuesday afternoon.
Article content
For Christopher Nydam, 28, the library was the best option as he searched for a cool place to study for an upcoming exam.
“I usually study outside in some of the different parks along the river, but it’s just so hot,” said Nydam, who lives with his girlfriend in the upper unit of an old house in south London that doesn’t have air conditioning.
“I was finding it very difficult to study in my house,” Nydam said. “I decided to bike down here and get into the library where it was a little bit cooler and I could focus a little bit more.”
With high temperatures expected to continue for several more days, Nydam said he will probably be back at the library later this week.
Bob McLaughlin, a retired martial arts instructor, said the library is his go-to spot when he needs to cool down.
“I sit down and watch the TV . . . let the air conditioner take over,” he said while taking in a Euro 2024 soccer game.
McLaughlin, 65, said he doesn’t mind the heat but has seen first-hand the importance of having publicly available places for people with no other options.
On Sunday, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a heat warning for several communities in southern Ontario, saying “dangerously hot and humid conditions” were to be expected for the rest of the week, with daytime highs in the mid-thirties and humidex values of 40 to 45 C.
Article content
The city has enacted its “extreme heat protocol,” which opens several community spaces to the public as dedicated cooling centres, but notes any community centre can be used as a cooling centre when open.
London cooling centres
East Lions community centre, 1731 Churchill Ave.
North London Optimist community centre, 1345 Cheapside St.
Startech.com community centre, YMCA and library, 501 Southdale Rd. W.
South London community centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd.
The London Public Library Central Branch also is available as a cooling space during regular operating hours.
Recommended from Editorial
Share this article in your social network
