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Staying Cool : Experiences and Challenges Using Cooling Centres in Metro Vancouver

Stern, Rachel N.; Yoon, Liv

2025-06

Description

Since the 2021 heat dome, in which over 619 people in British Columbia (BC) died, the issue of summer heat has increased significantly for Metro Vancouver residents. During times of heat in Metro Vancouver, many residents rely on cooling centres and other cool spaces. Extreme weather shelters are operated by local governments and non-profits. Our study asked: What are the barriers to using these spaces? What are the experiences of those who use them? What improvements could be made? We interviewed 63 residents of Metro Vancouver and 11 service provider participants. The cooling spaces discussed included designated shelter spaces and public spaces temporarily serving as cooling centres (libraries, community centres, etc.) that activate as cooling centres. At the end of the report, recommendations are provided.