Canada Day party planners getting set for extreme heat

A Canadian Heritage spokesperson previously told CBC News organizers were considering changing or cancelling some Canada Day events due to the extreme heat. The spokespersonlater retracted that statement, and now says contingency plans will be in place to help revellers deal with the high temperatures.

Organizers of this weekend's Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill have come up with contingency plans to help revellers beat the extreme heat.

The added measures include shaded waiting areas, free water, misting stations and more paramedics.

Sunday's forecast calls for a high of 35 C, but it will feel more like 45 C with the humidity.

Canadian Heritage is aware the heat could bea health hazard for the thousands of peopleexpected to gather for the festivities on Parliament Hill.

"Security of everybody is what's paramount for us," said spokesperson Dominique Tessier.

"We're working with the [Ottawa] fire department and Parliamentary Protective Services for crowd misting capabilities on the lawns of Parliament Hill," she said.

Similar misting stations will be available at some museums and at Major's Hill Park. There will also be ample free water-filling stations, Tessier said.

Stay hydrated with water, not alcohol or coffee, officials caution

8 years ago

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Officials with both Ottawa Public Health and the Ottawa Paramedic Service say Canada Day revellers should avoid coffee and alcohol if they want to stay hydrated.

'We learned a lot from last year'

Parliament Hill security staff arealso working toensure the lines move faster, and are considering how to increase opportunities for shelter from the sun, Tessier said.

Marc-AntoineDeschamps, a spokesperson forthe Ottawa Paramedic Service, saidmany of the changes came about after reviewinglast year's sesquicentennial celebrations, whensecurity checkpoints created a bottleneck and long lines for would-be attendees.

"I can tell you we learned a lot from last year," Deschamps said.

Deschampssaid paramedics will have a first-aid tent near the queue lines andtwo new ATVunits to enter crowded areas inaccessible toambulances.

There will also be a boost in the number of information officers to help people find what they're looking for, whether it's water, the shadeor the back of the line.

Hospitalizations expected to rise

Ottawa Public Health said hospitals have seen significant increases in hospitalizations during heat waves.

Last year, during a heat wave warning eventJune 11-12,26 people landed in hospital for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. During asecond event between Sept. 23 and 27, 22 people were treated athospitals.

The public health agency notes that some if its traditional advice such as avoid the sun and avoid drinking alcoholmay be more challenging for people celebrating Canada Day.

But people should watch forsymptoms, particularly nausea, and begin to look for shadeor reach out to paramedics if they need immediate relief.

Visitors undaunted

ConchitaCrooks and her friendsBeverly Reidand Andrea Osbournefrom Montreal said they won't be cancelling their plans to celebrate Sunday.

"No we won't, we're from Jamaica what's wrong with you!" joked Osbourne.

Osbournesaid she willcarry her bottle of spray mist to keep cool.

"And waterdrinklots and lots of water," Crooks added.

Dos and don'ts during a heat wave

• Do drink plenty of water.
• Don't do heavy outdoor activity.
• Do wear a hat, light and loose clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses when going outside.
• Do cool off in an air-conditioned room.

(Source: Ottawa Public Health)