A family doctor in Victoria is raising alarm about the persistent health threats posed by extreme heat across British Columbia, five years after the deadly 2021 heat dome that killed 619 people in the province.
Doctor Recalls Patient Suffering During Recent Heat
Dr. Shannon Houston, who practises in Victoria, said she remains extremely concerned about the impact of extreme heat on health. Last month marked the fifth anniversary of the heat dome, and even in June 2026, when temperatures breached 30 degrees Celsius, some of her patients were unable to attend appointments due to worsening respiratory symptoms related to the heat.
“I recall my patients reporting worsening symptoms with increased shortness of breath, dizziness and weakness, anxiety and fear among others,” Houston wrote in a letter to The Province.
Call for Action on Clean Energy and Cooling
Houston argued that not enough has been done since the heat dome to prevent further harm and deaths. She called on all levels of government to “turn down the heat at its source” by investing in clean energy and urgently transitioning away from fossil fuels.
“There is no place for a new pipeline or expanded LNG if we want to protect our health and lives,” she said.
At the same time, Houston emphasized the need to protect the most vulnerable community members through improved cooling in both new and older buildings, including heat pumps, and increasing urban tree canopy. She noted these were key recommendations from the coroner’s review in 2021.
Urgent Need for Resilience
Houston urged B.C. residents to speak up and support initiatives that protect families and neighbours to build a healthier and more resilient province. “We must act urgently on both fronts,” she said.
