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Winnipeg care homes struggle with AC outages during heat wave
🇨🇦 Canada /Disasters & Emergencies

Winnipeg care homes struggle with AC outages during heat wave

From Global News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Three personal care homes in the Winnipeg area are experiencing air conditioning outages during a severe heat wave.
  • Temperatures have exceeded 40 C (104 F) with humidex, causing discomfort for residents.
  • Repairs and temporary cooling measures are underway, with full AC restoration expected mid-week.

Three personal care homes in the Winnipeg region are grappling with non-functioning air conditioning systems amidst an intense heat wave, with humidex temperatures soaring above 40 C (104 F) over the weekend. Pembina Place Personal Care Home, Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg, and Donwood Manor Personal Care Home are all affected by the AC outages.

A spokesperson for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) confirmed the issues, stating that "health, comfort and well-being of residents remain our top priority." The authority assured that staff are closely monitoring residents while repair work and temporary fixes are implemented. Work is underway at all three facilities to restore cooling.

The health, comfort and well-being of residents remain our top priority, and staff continue to monitor residents closely while this work is underway

— Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) spokespersonThe WRHA spokesperson assured that resident well-being is prioritized during the AC outages.

At Pembina Place, an aging rooftop unit failed, leading to the outage. The facility's CEO, Gary Ledoux, estimated the internal temperature at around 25 C (77 F). While awaiting the installation of three new units on each floor, expected by Wednesday, residents are being supported with interim cooling measures.

They’re working very hard under the conditions to help our loved ones

— Norbert BargenA resident's family member praised the staff's efforts to manage the heat.

Mechanical problems have also affected Middlechurch Home, with repairs being expedited. Donwood Manor's AC was impacted by flood damage from heavy June rainfall. Temporary cooling units have been placed in residents' rooms while permanent repairs continue. The province expects the necessary replacement part for Middlechurch to arrive by Wednesday.

Norbert Bargen, whose 94-year-old mother resides at Donwood Manor, commended the staff for their diligent efforts to keep residents cool. However, Sue Vovchuk of the Long-term and Continuing Care Association of Manitoba highlighted that these AC issues are symptomatic of broader underfunding within the sector, suggesting a persistent lack of resources for essential infrastructure.

Everyone is underfunded

— Sue VovchukAn industry representative pointed to systemic underfunding as a root cause of infrastructure problems.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Global News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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