Stay cool in Carleton Place amid ongoing heat warning: cooling centres and splash pads open

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Lanark region, with the first major heat event of the summer season beginning yesterday afternoon and lasting well into this week.

Temperatures are forecast to reach daytime highs between 31 and 36 degrees Celsius, with humidex values climbing to a sweltering 40 to 45. Overnight lows will hover around 21 to 25 degrees Celsius, offering little relief after sunset.

Health officials in Carleton Place are urging residents to take precautions amid the threat of extreme heat, which can pose serious risks to everyone but especially older adults, infants, young children, pregnant individuals, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Residents are reminded to:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of cool liquids—even before you feel thirsty.
• Dress for the heat and spend time in air-conditioned or shaded spaces.
• Never leave children, seniors, or pets unattended in parked vehicles.

If you need a place to cool down, the Carleton Place Public Library at 101 Beckwith Street has opened as a cooling centre effective Sunday, June 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In their press release, the town of Carleton Place shared, “They have comfortable seating, books and puzzles to keep you busy, places to charge your devices, a laptop bar and public computers if you need to get some work done, and more. Everyone is welcome at the library!

Regular weekday hours are Monday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Arena lobby at 75 Neelin Street is also available as a cooling space for the public and will be open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

For those looking to beat the heat while enjoying being outdoors, Riverside Park and Centennial beaches are open, with lifeguards on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m and Carleton Place also offers four public splash pads:

• Riverside Park Splash Pad – 175 John Street
• Carambeck Community Centre Splash Pad – 359 Bridge Street
• Dunlop Road Park Splash Pad – 31 Dunlop Road
• Miller’s Crossing Splash Pad – 56 Fanning Street

For more heat safety tips, visit Environment Canada’s website or follow updates from the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit.