The summer equinox takes place tomorrow, and the summer means heatwaves in Montreal. While this weekend's heatwave is expected to reach temperatures around 40°C with humidity, some of the places Montrealers like to congregate—places like movie theatres, as well as restaurants and bars—won't be opening in time for the sweltering days to come.
That's why the City of Montreal, following an announcement on June 18, provided maps of air-conditioned spaces in the city where Montrealers can take shelter during the day, as well as which pools and splash pads for kids will be available across the island.
Here's where to find air conditioning—the city has noted that Montrealers are still expected to comply with public health regulations regarding social distancing—and don't forget the malls open today as well! Pools and splash pads in parks are also opening gradually with Piscine de la Confédération in Côte-des-Neiges, Piscine de la Fontaine in Verdun and Piscine du parc Kirkland in Lachine available for Montrealers. The interior pool Piscine Centre aquatique in Pointe-Claire will also be open.
People who wish to use pools should be prepared to have their health evaluated and avoid them if they present symptoms of COVID-19. The city asks that anyone planning on going should take a shower and apply sunscreen at home, and to arrive in your own bathing suit (changing rooms will be closed). Physical distancing will be in effect.
As for beaches, the beach at Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques will be open with lifeguards as of June 22, but its Centre de plein air du Cap-Saint-Jacques for group gatherings will be closed this summer; opening announcements for Parc-nature de L'Île-Bizard and the beach in Verdun beaches is expected to be announced in the coming days. Mercifully, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau and the City of Montréal are currently in talks about possibly opening Plage Jean-Doré in Parc Jean-Drapeau.
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