Outdoor activities in the Greater Hamilton Area have been called off on Wednesday due to smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario, which has negatively impacted local air quality.
Air quality alerts have been issued stretching from Thunder Bay to Kingston and southeast towards Niagara Falls, as multiple First Nations communities north of the western part of Lake Superior face mandatory fire evacuation orders.
The City of Hamilton
The City of Hamilton has closed all outdoor pools starting at 4 p. m. Wednesday, with plans to reopen once the air quality warning is lifted.
Several recreation centers provide regularly scheduled drop-in indoor swimming, which can be located on the city’s official website here.
Forge FC announced that it is keeping a close watch on air quality ahead of Thursday’s game against Pacific FC.
The kickoff at Hamilton Stadium is currently set for 7 p. m., but this may change depending on conditions.
Halton Region
The City of Burlington has temporarily shut down outdoor city pools and recreational programs until conditions improve.
This Wednesday’s Concerts in the Park featuring Fiddlestix has been postponed to September 2.
City summer camps will continue operating with adjusted programming, ensuring staff take necessary precautions and move activities indoors where feasible.
While outdoor splash pads remain accessible, residents are encouraged to limit their outdoor activities until air quality improves.
The Town of Oakville has canceled its outdoor recreation programs for both Wednesday and Thursday, which includes Super Playgrounds, Instructional Tennis, and outdoor swimming lessons.
Oakville staff mentioned that credits will be given to all registrants affected by canceled classes or programs, and residents can cancel their outdoor bookings for those days without facing any penalties.
Niagara Region
The Niagara Falls Fireworks program has been suspended due to ongoing air quality concerns and will stay paused until conditions improve.
The City of St. Catharines also closed its pools and sports fields, canceling outdoor events for Wednesday including Summer Concerts at Montebello Park.
The Lakeside Park Carousel is now closed as well.
Outdoor pools in Niagara-on-the-Lake have been shut down, along with an open-air burning ban being enforced until further notice.
In Thorold, games and practices for Thorold Minor Baseball and Thorold Soccer Club scheduled for Wednesday have been canceled.
This week’s community market will not operate either, while the Thorold Community Pool remains closed.
The Grimsby Lions Community Pool is also closing for the rest of Wednesday, leading to cancellation of evening swim lessons.
In Lincoln, both Allan F. Gretsinger and Jordan Lions outdoor pools are closed as of 3 p. m.
: Air quality warnings spread across Golden Horseshoe as wildfires burn in northwestern Ontario
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