Canada Day parade organizers prepare for extreme heat as temperatures soar

Canada Day Parade Windsor, Ont., on Monday, July 1, 2024. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor)

Organizers of Windsor’s Canada Day Parade say they’re preparing for one of the hottest parade days in recent memory, urging participants and spectators alike to take precautions as an extreme heat event continues across southwestern Ontario.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an orange heat warning for Windsor-Essex, forecasting daytime highs between 34 C and 37 C through Thursday, with overnight lows of 21 C to 25 C offering little relief. The federal weather agency warns prolonged exposure to the heat can pose serious health risks and is advising people to stay hydrated, limit time in the sun, and watch for signs of heat-related illness.

The weather agency says the current heat event is unusual, with daytime highs running well above seasonal averages.

“The normal high is 27, and so when we’re talking highs of 35, we’re eight degrees above average,” said warning preparedness meteorologist Peter Kimbell.

While Windsor-Essex has experienced similar heat waves before, Kimbell said residents shouldn’t underestimate the dangers.

“The big issue, of course, is when it’s so hot it’s also dangerous, especially for the most vulnerable people in our community,” he said.

Kimbell said most people can reduce their risk by drinking plenty of water, wearing light-coloured clothing and hats, limiting time outdoors and watching for signs of heat exhaustion. He urged residents to check frequently on seniors, young children, people with chronic health conditions and anyone working outside.

He added Windsor could flirt with daily temperature records over the next several days.

“The record for tomorrow is 36.7 C. We’ll possibly break it.”

Despite the forecast, the Windsor Parade Corporation says Wednesday’s parade will proceed as planned.

“We have 3,000 participants in tomorrow’s Canada Day parade. We’re really excited,” said executive director Maggie Durocher.

“But being it’s one of the hottest days of the year, we’re going to make sure we look after our participants, because we want to have them back next year.”

The parade steps off at 11 a.m. from the intersection of Ouellette Avenue and Giles Boulevard and travels north to Pitt Street. Windsor police have posted a list of road closures during the parade.

Durocher said organizers expect participants and spectators to be off the route by about 12:30 p.m., before the day’s hottest temperatures are expected.

“We’re really concerned for our participants,” she said.

“You’ve got little people, you’ve got older people, you’ve got people in costumes. And we want to make sure everybody stays safe.”

To help reduce the risks, organizers have set up water stations for parade participants, with marshals handing out water before the procession begins. Durocher said additional water will be available for marching bands, many of whose members perform in full uniforms.

She is also encouraging spectators to prepare before arriving downtown.

“Wear a hat, wear sunscreen, get there early, find a nice shady spot when you can,” Durocher told CTV News.

“Bring your water, bring your drinks, bring sunscreen and wear a hat.”

Water will also be available at the parade’s fan zone at the corner of University Avenue and Ouellette Avenue, along with free Firecracker Timbits, colouring pages and Canadian flags. A second water station will be operated nearby as part of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association’s Canada Day activities.

Durocher noted the organization is also accepting donations of bottled water at its warehouse at 1441 McDougall Street until about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to help keep volunteers and participants hydrated throughout the event.

The parade will feature 64 entries and more than 3,000 participants, including three giant inflatables, the debut appearance of the more than 120-member Philippine Heritage Band from Vaughan, Ont., and the return of crowd favourites Captain Canada and the Fire Guy.

This year’s theme, Canadian Mosaic, will be reflected in dozens of cultural groups taking part in the parade, including members of Windsor-Essex’s Nigerian, Caribbean, Muslim and Sikh communities.

“And that is this year’s theme, our Canadian mosaic,” Durocher said.

“Nowhere do you see it better than on Canada Day.”

While the Windsor Parade Corporation has cancelled Christmas parades in the past because of dangerous winter weather, Durocher said Canada Day presents different challenges.

“If we had severe weather threats — tornadoes, lightning — those are the kind of things,” she said.

“Tomorrow is going to be hot. But just take precautions and come out and enjoy the fun.”