How are you weathering the heat? That can be quite a challenge here in Kingsville during the Dog Days of July. If you have air conditioning, you may not be obsessed with the need to find relief. But if you don’t have A/C, it can be a different story.
Where can you go to get away from it all? Unfortunately, your options are limited this summer. In past years you could find an oasis in many of the public buildings and businesses in town. The Kingsville Public Library, for instance, was a great place to sit back and cool off. And who hasn’t been tempted to spend a half hour or so in front of the freezers at Zehrs?
But, as with so many other things, COVID-19 has drastically changed the picture. The Town of Kingsville has recognized the new dilemma and starting Wednesday July 15, is providing a Cooling Centre at the Kingsville Arena, 1741 Jasperson Drive.
“Public buildings were used as relief in the past but many still remain closed to the public,” Town Councillor Thomas Neufeld said, when asked by the Kingsville Times about the Centre. He had been concerned about people in our community who would be unable to escape the heat wave.
“I had asked Mayor Santos and our administrative team if there were any options for residents and this is what they came up with,” said Neufeld. “This certainly speaks to the level of service and quality of life that our residents have enjoyed and how our Council and administrative team work together to provide.”
The space will be open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Arena Rooms B and C. There are a few things you’ll need to be prepared for if you want to go to the Cooling Centre:
– Sanitize your hands. Sanitizer is provided.
– Complete a self-assessment questionnaire when you get there.
– Wear a mask in the building.
– Bring your own water, food and personal protective equipment (PPE)
The Centre is cleaned twice a day. This is in accordance with recommendations from the Windsor Essex County Health Unit. There will be Arena staff on hand to ensure that safety measures are followed.
To get to the Cooling Centre, avoid the Main Street entry because there is construction in the area.
“COVID restrictions and emergency orders have limited opportunities to cool off,” said Mayor Nelson Santos on the Town website, “and we’re hoping our Cooling Centre will provide some relief during humid summer days.”
Click here for more information or call 519-733-2123.
Sources:
Town of Kingsville to Launch Cooling Centre Starting Wednesday July 15, 2020
Interview with Town Councillor Thomas Neufeld. July 15, 2020
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay