Hot weather a concern at Kitchener encampment

Tuesday was a hot one in the Region of Waterloo, feeling close to 40 Celsius with the humidex.

Those steamy temperatures could be potentially dangerous for those living in tents at a Kitchener encampment.

"When I woke up this morning I was already sweating," said resident Ashley Harper.

"Especially when you are in your tent, you're just dripping and dripping with sweat," said Jade Sabourin, another resident at the encampment.

The site, at Victoria and Weber Street in the downtown core, is surrounded by asphalt and pavement. There is little to no shade from trees or buildings, and very few places to escape from the heat.

"I'm always worried I am going to pass out or get heat stroke," said Harper. "It's kind of scary. You' don't realize how hot it is until you're stuck outside. I know a few people who have almost been hospitalized, like vomiting viciously. It's a real opener."

MORE: Recognizing the symptoms of heat illness

Volunteers visit the encampment daily to drop off water, food and supplies. On Tuesday they also brought freezies and dessert.

"These people are suffering out here, they are truly suffering," said Julie Sawatzky, the founder of the 519 Community Collective.

Despite the lack of shade, she said having the encampment at a central location has its benefits.

"I think the general consensus is splitting up this encampment into multiple camps will make it harder for the people who are trying to help."

Residents can also go to St. John's Kitchen, located at the Working Centre, to clean up and use the washroom.

However the health and safety of those living in tents remains a concern.

Anyone who wants to make a donation should contact a community group, like the 519 Community Collective. Items like water, sunscreen and sanitary products are some of the products that can make the biggest difference.

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for much of southwestern Ontario, saying the hot weather will continue into Wednesday. The agency also put an alert out Tuesday afternoon for elevated pollution levels affecting air quality.

LOOMING EVICTION DATE

Residents are also dealing with uncertainty about their future.

The Region of Waterloo previously announced that all residents would have to move out of the encampment by June 30.

"It's already stressful enough living down here," explained Harper.

Many of those living at the site have not yet made plans to relocate.

"I have no idea, really, what to do," said Chris McIntyre. "Hopefully we can band together and figure out something to do."

Some are hoping for a new solution so they don't have to go into a shelter.

"Believe it or not, sometimes it's a more toxic situation than being here," said Harper. "I don't have any plans for afterwards, so hopefully a miracle happens."