Penticton residents now have a new way to escape the summer heat. After a month of construction, the city has opened a permanent cooling station in the heart of downtown. The project is part of an effort to support public safety during hot weather and to prepare for the effects of climate change.
The cooling station is located beside City Hall inside Gyro Park. It includes misting features, solar-powered lighting, and an accessible walkway. Officials say the design aims to give residents and visitors a safe place to cool down during extreme heat events.
The construction of the facility began in mid-July. It was funded in part through a $173,000 grant from the Union of BC Municipalities. The money came from its Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation program. The program helps cities prepare for weather changes linked to a warming climate.
City spokesperson Anna Melnick confirmed the facility is now open to the public. She added that some finishing touches, such as landscaping, will continue through the fall. The city plans to add more plants and complete small adjustments to the site. These changes are expected to improve both the function and the look of the area.
Each mister at the cooling station can be activated by a button. The system is set on a timer, which ensures water is used only when needed. Along with the misting area, a nearby water refill station has been installed. The refill point sits in front of the station, near the Main Street sidewalk. It is available for people to fill bottles and stay hydrated.
The city says this project is one part of its larger response to summer heat. The grant also funded other mobile cooling options. One example is the “Quench Buggy,” a temporary misting unit that can move around the city. Another is a water bottle refill trailer that has been set up at local events and parks. Recently, this trailer was spotted at the Penticton Peach Festival, where it offered relief to large crowds.
Officials believe the permanent cooling station will become an important part of downtown Penticton. It provides a free, accessible, and eco-friendly way to protect residents from the risks of high temperatures. The addition of solar-powered lights reduces energy use, while the water-saving timer system ensures responsible use of local resources.
The city has seen rising demand for public cooling areas. In recent years, heat waves have placed vulnerable people at greater risk. Public health experts say cooling stations can prevent illness and save lives when temperatures climb. The new facility in Gyro Park is designed to be safe, simple, and easy to access.
Community members have already started using the station. Many say the misting system is refreshing, especially during hot afternoons. The walkway makes the space more accessible for people with mobility challenges, allowing everyone to benefit. City staff expect the area will become a popular stop during summer events and daily downtown activities.
By combining permanent and mobile cooling solutions, Penticton is setting an example for other small cities facing similar climate challenges. Officials emphasize that this project shows how grant funding can support both safety and sustainability goals. The city plans to continue exploring more ways to prepare for hotter, drier summers.
For now, the downtown cooling station stands as a new feature in Gyro Park. It offers relief from the heat while blending into the community space. With misting units, refill stations, and solar lights, the project highlights a mix of comfort, safety, and environmental care.
