With Environment Canada predicting a record-breaking heat wave for Penticton and surrounding areas, the city is encouraging residents and visitors to be safe by drinking plenty of water.
For water access, the city has nine publicly accessible water filling stations. As well, bylaw officers will have bottled water for those needing a cool drink.
The nine water bottle fill stations are located at Naramata Road and Poplar Grove near Munson Mountain, The BMX track beside Munson Mountain, the 300 block of Main Street, at The Peach concession on Okanagan Lake, 100 Industrial Place (dog park), 2088 Dartmouth Road (dog park) and at 2965 South Main St. (near the Penticton Seniors Drop in Centre), Ellis Creek and Skaha Park.
The stations cost about $8,000 each plus installation costs. Several of the stations have been donated by the public, including the one at Naramata Road and Poplar Grove (Freedom Bike Shop and Harry Howard mortgage broker).
The Rotary Club and the city installed two new stations and bike repair stations at Skaha Park and another at the Munson Mountain BMX track.
The water bottle fill stations use potable water connected to the City of Penticton water mains.
For those thinking of floating down the channel, make sure you have some shade as an option. Float times are around two upto three hours for the full channel, according to local reports.
If going into the backcountry, the city reminds residents that there is currently a fire ban in place. This is even more important during the dry conditions to ensure that there are no fires in Penticton to prevent a wildfire from unintentionally starting.
“We encourage both residents and visitors to continue monitoring weather forecasts, and follow the advice of Health Canada,” said Mayor John Vassilaki. “Please drink plenty of water, wear a hat and use sunscreen, stay in the shade, go for a dip in our lakes and check in on your friends, family, seniors and neighbours.”
READ MORE: City, businesses add water filling stations
READ MORE: Dangerous heat wave warning from Interior Health
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