Cleaner Air Space Locations
If you're looking for relief from wildfire smoke, you can visit one of our designated comfort spaces with particulate air filtering. These filters assist in reducing the small particles found in wildfire smoke.
These facilities are activated as cleaner air spaces or comfort spaces when Metro Vancouver issues an extended air quality advisory for the City of New Westminster due to wildfire smoke. These facilities also have air conditioning and are designated cooling venues for heat related events.
Century House - 620 Eighth Street | 604-519-1066
Queensborough Community Centre - 920 Ewen Avenue | 604-525-7388
New Westminster Public Library - 716 Sixth Avenue | 604-527-4660
Anvil Centre - 777 Columbia Street | 604-515-3830
For more information regarding air quality advisories please visit Metro Vancouver https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-quality/air-advisories
How Wildfire Smoke can Affect your Health
Wildfire smoke contains small particles that can cause mild to severe health effects when inhaled. You may experience symptoms if you are exposed for a long time or if you breathe in a lot of smoky air. Some people may be vulnerable to smoky air, even in small amounts. Call 8-1-1 for health advice.
People at higher risk of experiencing health effects are:
- People with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes
- People who are pregnant
- Older adults
- Infants and small children
- People who are experiencing homelessness
- Outdoor workers
For more information on the affects of wildfire smoke please visit Fraser Health https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/air-quality/wildfire-smoke
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
During smoky days, reduce your exposure to smoke and spend time in places that have cleaner air.
- Visit one of our cleaner air spaces that offer cleaner, filtered indoor air
- Use a portable HEPA air cleaner to filter the air in your home if you are able to get one
- Reduce strenuous outdoor activities that make you breathe harder
- Drink lots of water
- If you have pre-existing medical conditions, keep your rescue medications with you at all times
- If you work outdoors, use an N95 respirator that has been properly fitted by occupational health and safety professionals
- Close windows and doors, but only if you are able to keep cool inside as well
- Check on others frequently to ensure they are safe, especially older adults and vulnerable neighbours
Note: Hot indoor air can be more dangerous than wildfire smoke. Prioritize keeping cool when the weather is hot and there is smoke. Learn more about staying safe during hot weather.
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