Tenants in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside are working to make their buildings safer during extreme heat as concerns grow about the risks posed by increasingly severe heat waves.

Stephen Nelson experienced those dangers firsthand during British Columbia’s record-breaking 2021 heat dome while living at the Keefer Rooms in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

During the extreme temperatures, Nelson noticed that his friend and neighbour, Mario, was struggling with the heat and having difficulty taking care of himself.

Nelson and his girlfriend stepped in to help. They opened the windows and used a fan in Mario’s room in an attempt to reduce the temperature. They also cared for him in Nelson’s room and made sure he had access to plenty of water.

The experience demonstrated how quickly extreme temperatures can become dangerous, particularly for people living in buildings without adequate cooling.

Residents in the Downtown Eastside are now drawing on experiences from previous heat waves to improve safety in their buildings. Community efforts can help vulnerable tenants stay cool, access water and receive assistance when temperatures reach dangerous levels.

As extreme heat becomes a growing concern in British Columbia, improving heat preparedness in residential buildings could play an important role in protecting people during future heat waves.