Without trees, Windsor's downtown scorching hot, researchers say

During this week's heat wave, dozens of Windsorbus riders took refuge inside the air conditioned transit terminal while waiting for their buses.

Asphalt surface in the parking lot has proven to be one of the hottest spots in Windsor's downtown, according to measurements collected for an urban heat island study.

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Results from spot tests show the transit terminal registering temperatures of 62 C, which is hotter than any other site in the city.

The measurements are taken byRenee Filbey and Ellen McGowan who are working with the city's planning department for the summer.

Like with any of the 18 sites they'll look at, the lack of trees and shade at the terminal create an unpleasant experience for visitors.

"Shade trees are so important, not just in the downtown area, but in the entire city," McGowan told CBC News. "That should be a goal for the city to implement more shade trees because they are so important and the city is only going to get hotter."

Urban heat island

This isn't the first time the city has looked at this issue. A 2012 report looked at Windsor's urban heat island effect, which is the temperature difference between urban and rural areas.

The study showed the hottest areas were Captain John Wilson Park, Pearson Park,GinoA. Marcus CommunityCentre,McHughPark, andFirgroveBoulevards.

The coolest public spaces in Windsor wereBrumptonPark,GiradotStreetParkette, South Cameron Woodlots, Mackenzie Hall Park and Coventry Gardens.

Having large amounts of industrial land further contributes to creating an urban heat island effect that "present a considerable health risk to residents," according to that2012 report.

It's all about trees

Filbey and McGowansee the difference shade makes ata location during their research. Theydocument the different types of surfaces they encounter, taking a temperature reading of each both in direct sun and in shade.

During a recent visit to Maiden Lane, they use their infrared temperature gun to test red brick, concrete paving, asphalt and metal grates. The lane has few people loitering around, something Filbey attributes to the lack of shaded areas.

Five mature trees cast spotted shadows over some park benches, but the rest of the strip gets blasted by sunshine most of the day.

Temperatures vary drastically from 31 C in the shade to 51 C in the sun.

"Shade is so important in public spaces," Filbey said. "Often times it's not found there, so people don't stay. To make a public space more attractive, you need to offer that shade."

Policy changes

Results of the summer research will become part of their recommendations to the city for reducing temperatures in public spaces.

Filbey and McGowan say those recommendations will be particularly valuable as the city will only get hotter in the years to come.

In Canada, Windsor has the highest number of days where the humidex reaches 35 or higher, according to Environment Canada.

"You do feelthe heat and the humidity, legally, more than anywhere in Canada," said David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada."That's why there's much greater demand for air conditioning and heat warning systems andadvisories."

Those conditions are only expected to worsen in the next 85 years.Climate predictions from Health Canada predict Windsor will see three times the number of days with temperatures exceeding 30 C by the turn of the next century.