As temperatures soar across the region, The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is offering some relief for residents.
Environment Canada issued a heat warning for Chatham-Kent on Tuesday, which is expected to be in effect for the next few days. Daytime temperatures will be in the high 20s to low 30s, but will feel closer to 40 C with the humidity.
Municipal offices in Blenheim, Chatham, Ridgetown, Tilbury and Wallaceburg will be open for individuals to cool down in and will be offering water.
The sites will be open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
Employment and Social Services will offer the same service at their main office lobby located on the first floor of the Community Human Services Building at 435 Grand Ave., West, Chatham.
"All locations will have COVID-19 safety protocols in place and attendees are required to wear face masks, stay six feet apart from others and use hand sanitization upon entry," the municipality said through a media release. "Facility capacity limits are posted and regularly monitored, in accordance with provincial requirements."
In addition, Chatham-Kent Employment and Social Services recently launched a temporary program to assist eligible low-income Chatham-Kent residents with the purchase of a portable air conditioner.
Individuals or families in need will be eligible to receive up to $300 per household to purchase a new air conditioner if they do not currently have a working one.
Interested residents can apply by calling the municipality's social service department at 519-351-8573.
The municipality is also reminding residents that public libraries in Chatham-Kent have re-opened for 'Browse and Go' service which can provide some relief from the heat. Customers can take advantage of 45 minutes of free internet use or use the time to browse through the libraries' collections.
Hope Haven men's shelter in Chatham is also welcoming people to their Wellington Street West location from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to cool down. If needed, free transportation is being provided for vulnerable individuals by calling ROCK Missions at 519-354-0430 or NeighbourLink at 519-352-5647.