East London community cancels Canada Day event due to extreme heat

East London community cancels Canada Day event due to extreme heat

Temperatures to feel like 44 C, with risk of thunderstorms on Wednesday, Environment Canada says

This week's ongoing heat wave has forced the cancellation of a Canada Day event that was scheduled to happen in east London, organizers say.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the Argyle Business Improvement Association and the Optimist Club of East London said they want to make sure the East Lions Community Centre, where the event was set to take place can be used as a cooling centre with extreme temperatures expected.

"We have a responsibility to ensure the East Lions Community Centre remains available as a City cooling centre for those who may need it most," organizers said in their post.

"We know many people were looking forward to celebrating with us, and we are truly sorry for the disappointment."

How these Canada Day performers are staying cool in extreme heat – and how you can too

The group said they have also been monitoring the risk of severe thunderstorms and strong winds during event hours, which, they said, are extremely likely and would create more safety risks in addition to the extreme heat.

Environment Canada has placed the London area under an orange heat warning throughout the week. On Wednesday, temperatures are expected to feel closer to 44 C with humidex values, along with winds gusting to 40 km/h.

There is also a 40 per cent chance of showers in the afternoon with risk of a thunderstorm, according to Environment Canada.

Bracing for the heat wave? Experts share some tips to stay cool

East Lions Community Centre is among several spaces the City of London uses as a cooling centre.

The Canada Day event planned to have live pop-up wrestling, misting stations and cold drinks for sale, but organizers said the cancellation prioritized the safety of attendees, volunteers and the community.

"This decision wasn’t easy but it was well informed and with the safety and well-being of our community, business owners, vendors, guests and especially our volunteers, at the forefront," they said.