As heat waves rise, P.E.I. is launching a Heat Alert and Response System to protect Islanders. Funding secured for coordinator to lead the initiative.
Province Moves to Protect Islanders from Rising Heat
Prince Edward Island’s Chief Public Health Office (CPHO) is taking action to protect residents from the rising threat of extreme heat. After facing three heat waves in 2024—starting as early as the last day of spring—the province has secured federal funding to develop its first Heat Alert and Response System (HARS).
The funding from Health Canada will support a dedicated coordinator to build and implement the system over the next two years. Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.’s chief public health officer, confirmed the initiative aims to prevent heat-related health crises by preparing the public in advance.
Warming Trends Signal Urgent Need for Action
Environment Canada issues heat warnings when temperatures surpass 28°C for two consecutive days and nighttime temperatures remain above 18°C. In recent years, such warnings have grown increasingly frequent across the country—including in P.E.I., which until now lacked a formal heat response plan.
Dr. Morrison stressed the urgency: “Extreme heat events in other provinces have led to a rise in mortality. We want to prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening here.”
Canada’s Deadly Heat History Raises Alarm
P.E.I.’s move comes amid sobering national statistics. In 2021, a devastating “heat dome” in British Columbia claimed 619 lives over five days. Quebec lost 280 people to extreme heat in 2010.
These incidents underscore the deadly potential of sustained high temperatures. As climate change intensifies, heat waves are expected to grow more frequent, longer, and more dangerous—especially for vulnerable populations like seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income communities.
Blueprint for the New Heat Alert System
The upcoming HARS will follow Environment Canada’s existing criteria to determine when alerts are triggered and lifted. It will include public communication campaigns focused on heat safety, awareness, and response protocols.
“Systems like this work,” said Peter Berry, a senior policy analyst advising Health Canada on climate issues. “They help people locate nearby cooling centres, and can mandate longer hours for splash pads or pools—simple but life-saving interventions.”
The plan will also prioritize community engagement to ensure inclusive access, particularly for residents who face barriers such as mobility issues or lack of transportation.
Aiming for Prevention, Not Just Reaction
The long-term goal of the initiative is clear: reduce emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and fatalities caused by extreme heat. Dr. Morrison emphasized that proactive measures—such as awareness and access to cooling solutions—can dramatically reduce the health burden on the province.
“If we can activate HARS early, get people to safe, cool spaces, and educate Islanders on staying cool, we can prevent illness before it happens,” she said.
Bottom Line
With climate change making extreme heat a new normal, Prince Edward Island is preparing to protect its people through education, coordinated alerts, and lifesaving infrastructure—before the next heat wave strikes.
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