Half a century ago, Canada's standard temperature measurement was Celsius
Fahrenheit Degree Persists in Canadian Kitchens and Pools
In a country that has largely embraced the metric system, the Fahrenheit degree continues to hold sway in two specific domains: pools and kitchens. This enduring presence of the centuries-old temperature scale can be attributed to historical, practical, and cultural reasons.
One significant factor is the historical inertia and practical familiarity that has built up over the years. For instance, pool heaters and cooking appliances have long been calibrated in Fahrenheit, and users often stick with what they know or what was originally installed. Manuals and user guides, especially in these domains, often continue to use Fahrenheit, reinforcing its continued use.
Canada's proximity to the United States, where Fahrenheit is still the standard for temperature measurement, also plays a role. The cross-border economic and cultural influence from the U.S. is evident in products imported from or made compatible with U.S. standards. Appliances designed for both markets often use Fahrenheit scales, particularly those intended for the North American market.
Another factor is the dual-scale use that has persisted in some domestic and recreational contexts. Metrication in Canada has primarily standardized measurements like length, weight, and Celsius for weather and medical use. However, in other areas, such as teaching children or user manuals, Fahrenheit remains alongside Celsius for convenience.
This persistent use of Fahrenheit contrasts with the official preference for Celsius and the metric system in Canada for most scientific, educational, and governmental contexts. For example, weather forecasts and medical contexts favor Celsius.
In the kitchen, recipes and many appliances in Quebec and Canada still use imperial measures. In swimming pools, a temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit is considered comfortable, while in a hot tub, the temperature hovers around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A healthy human body is indicated by a temperature of 37 degrees, and indoors, a temperature of 18 to 20 degrees is considered comfortable.
The Fahrenheit degree's endurance in these settings, despite Canada's widespread use of Celsius and the metric system, is a testament to the power of historical convention, ongoing practical ties to U.S. standards, and consumer habits.
- In contrast to most scientific, educational, and governmental contexts where Celsius and the metric system are preferred, the Fahrenheit degree continued to persist in certain domestic and recreational settings, such as kitchens and swimming pools.
- In Quebec and some parts of Canada, recipes and appliances still rely on imperial measures, similar to Fahrenheit, reflecting the enduring practical familiarity with these units.
- A typical swimming pool is set at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while a hot tub ranges between 100 degrees Fahrenheit, showing that the American standard for temperature measurement still influences Canada, even in areas like fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and travel.
