Here’s how to beat the heat in Ottawa

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning across Ottawa that’s expected to carry into Tuesday.

According to the weather agency, daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 29 C with humidex values near 40 — with little relief at night as minimum temperatures are expected to be near 20 C.

The City of Ottawa is encouraging residents and visitors to “put their toes in the sand and have fun at any of Ottawa’s public beaches, pools and splash pads.”

“It’s important to think ahead and plan for ways to stay cool and keep in touch with others who may have difficulty staying cool, especially during a heat warning,” a spokesperson from Ottawa Public Health (OPH) told CityNews in an email. “There are many public places residents and visitors can cool off in Ottawa including splash pads, wading pools, swimming pools, parks, libraries, and community buildings.”

Beaches in Ottawa

• South Ottawa: Mooney’s Bay Beach – 2926 Riverside Drive
• West Ottawa: Britannia Beach – 2805 Carling Avenue.
• East Ottawa: Petrie Island Beach – 727 Tweddle Road

According to the City of Ottawa, it will not be providing lifeguard supervision at Westboro Beach this summer due to construction at the site. The city recommends swimming at supervised beaches only.

Ottawa also notes that Mooney’s Bay and Petrie Island beaches include a parking fee.

OPH ensures the water is safe by conducting daily water quality testing for the presence of E coli bacteria. The latest water-quality results show swimming is allowed at all of Ottawa’s beaches.

To ensure a safe and fun experience at public pools and beaches, OPH has provided water safety guidelines.

Outdoor pools in Ottawa:

• Bearbrook Pool 
• Beaverbrook Pool – Kanata 
• Crestview Pool 
• Entrance Pool 
• General Burns Pool 
• Glen Cairn Pool 
• Corkstown Pool 
• Katimavik Pool
• Genest Pool

Splash pads:

Splash pads will be in operation until September 15, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., wrote the city on its website.

Atrium Park and Roy Park splash pads are closed for the summer.

Wading pools:

A map of City of Ottawa wading pool locations and hours of operation can be found on the City of Ottawa website. Accessible wading pools are marked in light blue.

Britannia Park wading pool is closed for repairs until further notice, wrote the city. Starting July 15, Heron Park wading pool is closed for the season. 

While the heat warning is still in effect, Ottawa Public Health is suggesting residents and visitors:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, preferably water and limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol. 
• Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity. 
• Limit or avoid direct exposure to the sun. 
• Dress in light and loose-fitting clothing and wear a hat with ventilation holes when in the sun. 
• Look for shade or a cool shelter in an air-conditioned location if available. 
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows open. 
• Take frequent cool showers or baths. Focus on cooling the back of the neck, under the arms and groin area. Soak feet and hands in a basin of cool water.