Cooling stations will be open as temperatures rise

By Mo Cranker

With temperatures forecasted to feel above 30 degrees this week, Trenton officials have implemented a cooling station open to the public Monday to Wednesday.

Being exposed to heat of this magnitude can cause heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. A cooling station is just one way that heat related illnesses could be avoided.

“A cooling station is a place where people can come off the street, cool down, and enjoy some free water,” said Richard Anderson an occupational health and safety officer for Quinte West.

The cooling center is funded through the city of Trenton.

“There has never been any negative feedback about the stations,” Anderson said “There has never been a complaint”.

Bruce Greatrix, deputy fire chief said, the city of Belleville has used cooling stations in the past.

“We had the sports complex open, and people came and had some cold water,” he said.

Although the city of Belleville has no plans to open a cooling center in the immediate future, Greatrix said that there might have been discussions.

If the temperature stays high look for the city to set up a cooling station similar to the one available this week in Trenton.