Cobourg issues reminder on cooling centres

By Cecilia Nasmith

The Town of Cobourg has issued a reminder that, during times of high temperatures and oppressive humidity – like late last week – five cooling centres are open for those in need of relief.

Several air-conditioned locations offer residents a break from the heat and a chance to refill their water bottles with tap water. It's a much-needed way to stay cool and hydrated during particularly hot weather, emergency planner Shannon Murphy said in the town's press release.

The locations are:

The Victoria Hall lobby (55 King St. W.), open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Cobourg Community Centre (750 D'Arcy St.), open Mondays to Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on long weekends).

Northumberland Mall (1111 Elgin St. W.), open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The lobby at the Cobourg Police Service building (107 King St. W.), open around the clock every day (with unlimited water available).

The Cobourg Public Library (200 Ontario St.), open Mondays to Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursdays to Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about heat illnesses and staying cool during hot and dry weather, visit the Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit website at hkpr.on.ca and look for a link under Environment and Hot Weather for heat advice on the home page. Health Canada also has a link under Protect Yourself From Extreme Heat at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.