Temperatures to top 30 C next week in Ottawa, school boards prepare

The sun peeks around a tree on Britannia Beach. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa’s two largest school boards say all schools have at least one area with partial or portable air conditioning, as a heat wave is set to grip the capital for the final days of the school year.

Environment Canada’s forecast calls for temperatures to warm up to 31 C on Sunday, 35 C on Monday and 33 C on Tuesday, with the humidex making it feel closer to 40.

CTV News Ottawa reached out to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board to ask about their plans to deal with the heat next week.

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board

Ottawa’s public-school board said during a heat warning, the board “carefully monitors advisories” from Environment Canada and Ottawa Public Health.

“Facilities Department staff will also monitor weather forecasts for high temperatures and modify ventilation systems to maximize the benefit of cooler temperatures during the night,” the OCDSB said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.

“Where there are particular concerns about extreme heat and planned activities, school principals will consult with their superintendent and may change or reschedule activities where appropriate.”

The OCDSB says all of its schools have at least one area with “partial or portable air conditioning” – the gymnasium, main office or library.

“These spaces can assist in offering cool off spaces in buildings that are not fully air-conditioned,” the board said.

The OCDSB uses the following strategies in schools to deal with hot temperatures indoors where air conditioning is not available:

• Where possible, windows may be opened first thing in the morning and closed mid-morning as it starts to get hot outside.
• Keep the blinds/curtains closed during the day, particularly on windows that are facing the sun.
• Portable fans may also be employed to help manage the heat

Students and staff will be urged to drink plenty of fluids, avoid strenuous activities and direct exposure to the sun, and wear lightweight and loose clothing.

Ottawa Catholic School Board

The Ottawa Catholic School Board says staff will use “their personal judgement” to adjust and respond to the hot weather next week. Principals have the authority to move classes into air-conditioned spaces in schools if a classroom becomes too warm.

“Educators take heat into account throughout the day—adjusting schedules for outdoor physical education, increasing water breaks, or using shaded areas for recess when needed,” the board said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.

“Parents of children with heat-sensitive medical conditions are encouraged to speak with the school principal. If they feel it’s in their child’s best interest to stay home on particularly hot days, that absence is marked as approved by the school.”

The board says all schools have “some level of air conditioning,” and every portable has air conditioning units.

“In addition, large common areas like gymnasiums, cafeterias, or learning commons are air-conditioned and available for use as cooling spaces.”