With a heat wave currently engulfing British Columbia, several operations across Vancouver Island have opted to temporarily close their doors amid the extreme temperatures.
The University of Victoria, Camosun College and Vancouver Island University have all cancelled classes on Monday, June 28 as a result of the heat.
Although UVic has cancelled classes, the university says the Student Wellness Centre will be operating at a limited capacity for anyone that needs it.
Vancouver Island University is also offering students and staff an escape from the heat by keeping the campus open.
“While classes will NOT be in session tomorrow, students and employees are welcome to come to campus to take respite from the heat,” reads a statement from VIU. “Open-access buildings at VIU’s Nanaimo campus, such as the library and the Upper Cafeteria, as well as the Cowichan and Powell River campuses are all equipped with air conditioning. The gym at VIU’s Nanaimo campus does not have air conditioning and is closed until further notice.”
Camosun’s message also indicates that staff are not expected to work from campus or at home on Monday amid the heat.
Camosun will be closed on Monday, June 28, 2021, due to extreme heat. Employees are not required to work on campus or remotely except for campuses operations. Online classes are cancelled. Please stay cool and safe. pic.twitter.com/BFOLrwVUjm
— Camosun College (@Camosun) June 28, 2021
Royal Roads has announced that it will be open on Monday, however, the Recreation Centre will be closed.
Despite universities on Vancouver Island closing down, school districts have chosen to stay open, however, many are suggesting that children stay home.
Nanaimo/Ladysmith School District, Sooke School District, and Comox Valley School District are all encouraging children to attend classes from home, although facilities and buses will still be operating at this time.
“The school district will continue to monitor daytime heat in school settings throughout tomorrow morning and staff may be required to relocate if determining factors regarding temperatures and conditions deem it is no longer safe to remain open,” Comox Valley Schools said in a press release issued Sunday evening.
Beyond schools, other venues across Vancouver Island have opted to close their doors for the same reasons, protecting visitors and staff from the hot conditions.
The Butchart Gardens announced on Sunday that it would be closing its doors until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30.
Due to the extreme heat The Butchart Gardens will be closed from noon on Sunday June 27, 2021 and re-opening at 9am Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Sorry for the inconvenience. pic.twitter.com/wOwkH64cKd
— The Butchart Gardens (@butchartgardens) June 26, 2021
Some individual restaurants and retailers have chosen to close as well amid the heat and patrons are advised to call ahead in order to verify that venues are open before visiting.
The Victoria Sport and Social Club has decided to cancel all outdoor games on Monday as well.
“As a result of the current heat wave, we have made the decision to cancel tonight’s Softball, Beach Volleyball and Turf Soccer games (June 28),” reads a message from VSSC.
Island Health has also announced that they will be rebooking COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Eagle Ridge (Langford) and Gabriola Island vaccine clinics for June 28.
The health authority said in a statement Sunday afternoon the appointments will be rebooked to protect patients and staff as well as their vaccination supplies. It comes as Victoria recorded its hottest day in recorded history with temperatures hitting 37 C.
Individuals whose vaccination appointments were cancelled due to the hot weather will be able to rebook them soon at a handful of Island Health clinics.
If you know of any significant closures due to heat, please send us an e-mail at [email protected]
Graham Cox
