All outdoor swimming pools in Mississauga are closed on Thursday, and the city’s outdoor recreational activities have either been cancelled or moved indoors as extremely poor air quality continues to affect the Greater Toronto Area.
Officials from the City of Mississauga announced shortly before 9 a. m. that because of the poor air quality and a “very high (10-plus) Air Quality Health Index rating in Mississauga,” many outdoor activities will be closed or cancelled today.
Poor air quality is lingering over Mississauga and much of southern Ontario due to smoke drifting south from wildfires in northern Ontario. The smoke is also affecting parts of the northern U. S.
The city officials released an advisory this morning recommending that residents of all ages avoid strenuous outdoor activities due to the low air quality rating.
“Children, older adults and individuals experiencing symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation should take extra precautions and limit outdoor physical exertion,” the city stated, adding that all Thursday outdoor programs will be shifted indoors where possible for safety reasons.
Let’s Play in the Park programs cancelled
Officials confirmed that Let’s Play in the Park programs are cancelled, and all outdoor pools are closed.
“Where possible, make-up classes for cancelled activities will be rescheduled to a later date or a refund will be issued if a class is not rescheduled.”
Outdoor permit holders can reach out to the city’s customer service centre at 905-615-4100 or by email at [email protected] if they have any questions.
“We will continue to share updated information as it becomes available on our Recreation and Arts and Culture websites,” city officials mentioned.
The city previously noted that wildfire season is currently ongoing in Canada, with fires burning across several areas including northern Ontario.
“Wildfire smoke can travel long distances and differs from typical urban air pollution. It contains fine particles and harmful gases that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing inflammation and affecting overall health,” according to an advisory released by the city on Wednesday.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (also known as Environment Canada) monitors air quality using the Air Quality Health Index and issues Special Air Quality Statements when conditions worsen, added the city.
Areas shaded in orange are under a poor air quality warning on Thursday. (Image: Environment and Climate Change Canada)
While Environment and Climate Change Canada has lifted many heat warnings across the GTA and elsewhere in Ontario, those alerts have now been replaced with poor air quality warnings.
The warnings apply throughout much of Ontario, stretching from Thunder Bay down to Kingston in the east, through Toronto and Mississauga, extending as far west as London and Windsor.
The national agency highlighted common symptoms of smoke inhalation include throat irritation, headaches, and coughs.
Environment Canada indicated that winds from the northwest will keep bringing smoke from northern fires into southern Ontario until at least Friday.
The smoke was so dense on Wednesday that it cast an eerie orange hue over Toronto’s skyline while also causing an early end to an outdoor music festival’s first night in London.
People who may be more affected by poor air conditions include:
Adults aged 65 years or older Pregnant women Infants and young children Individuals with existing health problems, especially heart or lung issues People working outdoors
“These groups should reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities and seek medical advice if symptoms develop,” officials advised.
– with files from The Canadian Press
(Cover photo: City of Mississauga)
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 45,641 Votes
All Time: 1,433,701 Votes
674 VOTES
Source link
Source link
