Urban areas are the hot spots of global warming. Extreme heat is a key risk to the health and well-being of British Columbians. The situation is growing more dangerous, driven by irreversible climate change. Canada is warming, on average, at twice the global rate. Urban centres face the greatest risk because of the urban-heat-island effect. Surface daytime temperatures can be 10 – 15°C hotter in urban heat islands, while nighttime temperatures can be up to 12°C hotter than in surrounding rural areas. During episodes of extreme heat, everyone is at risk of heat-related illnesses. The danger is greatest for those who are more vulnerable or less able to protect themselves. This includes people who are more sensitive to extreme heat (such as the elderly or chronically ill) and those with fewer resources to adapt (for instance, people on lower incomes who cannot afford actions to retrofit their homes).

The purpose of this plan is to outline the actions available to the City of Surrey to support provincial ministries in mitigating risks to life and safety caused from an extreme heat event. Once a heat event is imminent, Surrey will support the messaging and promote the recommendations made by the governing health authority to our citizens, to ensure consistent information is published.