We're seeing more heat waves, and Calgarians are doing what they can to keep cool
The refreshing spray of a splash park is how many Calgary families beat the heat.
"Yesterday, I was melting, literally melting, so we're staying cool in the water," said Jen Evans.
Some Calgarians feel like they're searching for ways to cool down more than they used to.
"Used to be you only had like a week of really hot weather, then you get a break, but this year has just been solid," Evans said.
"You feel it. It just seems hotter longer. It seems hotter more often," said Scott Huartson.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) stats indicate that's true.
While weather can vary greatly each year, there are generally more heat waves now than 30 years ago.
"Where the maximum temperature is greater than or above 29 C and the overnight low is above 14 C," said Brian Proctor with ECCC.
In each of the past three years, Calgary had more than 18 days at 29 C or above.
"It's not just climate change that's caused this. It's also the urbanization of the Calgary area," Proctor said.
Staying indoors can help keep you cool, but the type of windows can make a big difference.
Centra Windows says it's getting more business in hot months than it used to.
"People start thinking about how they can be more comfortable in the summer, so making sure there are insulating factors that help make sure solar heat gain isn't too high a level within their home and also keep that cool air in is a big part of what we do," said Ryan Murray with Centra Windows.
The dog days of summer are when ice cream sales heat up.
"A decade ago when I started this business to now, summers in general have gotten hotter and hotter. It's good for business," said Billy Friley, founder of Village Ice Cream.
Village Ice Cream is expanding its chilly chow with a new dairy-free treat – safe for humans, but designed specifically for dogs.
"I personally would go for a scoop of salted caramel or melted chocolate, but in a pinch, I'd have carrots and cream," Friley said.
People are relying on freezers, fans and air conditioners to stay cool and that's impacting the grid.
Yesterday was another record for electricity use and the third time this summer that record has been broken.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada's transport minister to meet with Via Rail after passengers stranded 10 hours
Canada's transport minister says he is determined to get to the bottom of a recent train delay that left Via Rail passengers stranded for about 10 hours in Quebec over the long weekend.
Fire at Hells Angels retail store being investigated by Toronto Police
Police are investigating a fire at a Hells Angel retail store in east Toronto on Sunday. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Ed O'Neill found out 'Married… with Children' was cancelled in a very awkward way
Married... with Children may have been a show about love and marriage, but Ed O'Neill got no love from the network when it came to finding out how the show was taken off the air.
Sunday bear attack in Rocky View County leaves one person hospitalized
One person is in serious condition following a bear attack Sunday mornin in a remote part of Rocky View County.
Two more devastating fires in northwestern Ontario
A pair of fires last week have again rattled remote First Nation communities in northwestern Ontario.
Buried beneath: Historic wooden sailboat re-emerges in N.S. as sand washes away
On the shores of the Avon River, 80 kilometres northwest of Halifax, Mother Nature has uncovered rich layers of 19th century maritime history.
2 dead, 6 hospitalized after semi hits motorcyclists on Highway 2
Two people are dead, and six more and injured, following a crash involving several motorcycles and a semi that took place Saturday morning on Highway 2.
Three blood biomarkers may give women a picture of their heart disease risk decades in advance, study shows
Measuring the levels of three biomarkers in blood in midlife may give women a clearer picture of their risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes decades earlier than current risk calculators do, a new study suggests.
Guelph, Ont. man loses $28K to online cryptocurrency scam featuring video of Prime Minister
A Guelph, Ont. man says he has lost $28,500 after he fell for an online scam featuring a video of the Prime Minister.