Eby claims B.C. has done enough to prepare for heat — not everyone agrees

As the Lower Mainland experiences its first blast of summer-like temperatures, B.C. Premier David Eby says the province “is in a much better position this year” than it was during past weather events.

He says there have been learnings from past situations, including the deadly heatdome of 2021.

“In terms of government’s responsibility: health authorities have access to portable air conditioning now for places like long-term care homes and other vulnerable communities,” he explained Friday.

“We have a reimbursement program in place for local governments and Indigenous community groups to be able to provide cooling centres in community. At an emergency response level around temperatures, we have increased ambulance capacity now, as well as increased ability to notify British Columbians of dangerously high temperatures so that people can prepare themselves.”

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However, some are questioning just what exactly the province has done to be more prepared and keep British Columbians safe.

“I am absolutely worried that we are going to see fatalities from this heatwave, once again. It’s been two years with very little action taken of substance to actually support the most marginalized and most impacted by the heatwave,” Amina Yasin, the chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission, told CityNews.

In the wake of the deadly heatdome, Yasin says the organization and BC Coroners Service have both recommended the B.C. government update the Residential Tenancy Act to ensure all residents can have access to things like A/C units.

“That would allow tenants to have mechanical cooling or air conditioning within their units, and not allow private landlords or operators to prevent tenants from installing and using these devices,” she explained.

While cooling centres work for some, Yasin says many people face barriers to accessing them. She suggests transit operators offer free trips during heat events to help people get to cooler places.

She adds many cooling centres are not open 24/7 and leave people with few cooling options at night when temperatures can still remain high.

Another recommendation called for A/C units to be classified as life-saving medical devices and funded through the B.C. Medical Program.

That was suggested to the coroner’s panel by commissioner, disabled writer, and policy analyst Gabrielle Peters.

Peters told CityNews that the chair of the panel rejected it and other recommendations she made, despite the support of other panel members like Yasin. Peters’ name was removed and does not appear on final report.

Despite the recommendations, Yasin says little has been done by higher levels of government to move recommendations forward.

“It’s really demoralizing to know that so much effort has been made to provide recommendations and solutions — and recommendations that can be actioned immediately. It’s been over two years. There’s no excuse,” Yasin said.

Dangers of higher indoor temperatures

While temperatures are not expected to get anywhere near where they were during the 2021 weather event, people are being reminded to take precautions and to check in on vulnerable friends, loved ones, and neighbours as the mercury rises.

Dr. Michael Schwandt, a medical health officer with Vancouver Coastal Health, says the majority of deaths during the heatdome happened indoors. He feels adaptations need to be made.

“There’s a variety of potential options, whether it’s through regulation or other supports, to get to those cooler temperatures, whether that’s in rental housing, whether that’s in free-standing homes or large buildings. It’s important that all of these policy options are explored,” he said,

Schwandt adds the biggest risk for heat-related death and illness is high indoor temperatures.

“A resident might be able to do things like making sure the curtains are closed, that we’re using open windows and fans at night to move cold air into the space,” he explained. “Meanwhile, people who are operating buildings have an opportunity to support people by providing a cool space within a building, and making sure there aren’t rules that prevent people from cooling a space — that’s really crucial.”

Meanwhile, BC Hydro is expecting records for electricity use to fall this weekend.

“And this is really being driven by British Columbians trying to keep cool, whether it’s using air conditioning or fans. We are expecting that the demand will peak on Monday and we could potentially break the record for May,” the utility provider’s Mora Scott explained.

She echoes Schwandt’s recommendations to keep blinds and curtains closed, noting doing that can keep about 65 per cent of the heat out.

Once temperatures are higher outside than they are inside, she says to close any open windows or doors to keep the cool air in.