Hamilton, Brantford, and Niagara are under an air quality warning from Environment Canada, as smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario fills the area.
The Air Quality Index for parts of the region, including Hamilton, Brantford, and St. Catharines, is expected to hit a 10+, or very high risk, on Wednesday.
This wildfire smoke mixed with heat is causing “very poor air quality and reduced visibility” in Hamilton, according to Environment Canada.
The skies over downtown remained hazy and smoky early in the afternoon.
The weather agency suggests that air quality conditions may get better Friday morning. Meanwhile, heat warnings for Hamilton and Niagara were lifted Wednesday afternoon after two days of high humidex.
The agency also warned that heavy smoke means “everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status.”
In northern Ontario, several communities are facing evacuations due to numerous wildfires burning across the area.
As of Monday night, there were 128 confirmed wildfires in the northwest. Smoke from active fires in both Canada and the United States is visible throughout many regions, according to Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services.
Event Cancellations Across the Region
Some events and programs are being cancelled because of poor air quality combined with heat.
Niagara Falls
The nightly summer fireworks display at Niagara Falls has been cancelled Wednesday due to poor air quality and visibility issues, according to Niagara Parks.
The City of Niagara Falls also closed the Niagara Falls Lions Pool and Buck Hinsperger Pool for today; however, F. H. Leslie Pool and Prince Charles Pool stayed open.
Hamilton
The City of Hamilton announced Wednesday afternoon it would close all outdoor pools starting at 4 p. m. The pools will reopen once the air quality warning is lifted.
A Music in the Garden concert planned for Wednesday night at the Royal Botanical Gardens featuring Sam Roberts Band was also called off due to weather concerns.
The outdoor performances part of the Hamilton Fringe Festival have been cancelled as well.
St. Catharines
In St. Catharines, the second week of its Concert in the Park series will be rescheduled now.
All public outdoor pools and sports fields will be closed too along with outdoor recreational programs being cancelled. Indoor facilities like St. Catharines’ Kiwanis Aquatics Centre will remain open. Four city public library branches can also be a cool spot away from heat relief.
Permits for using outdoor spaces have also been cancelled.
Lately in the afternoon city officials shut down its historic carousel at Lakeside Park.
Welland
The City of Welland stated it’s pausing select outdoor recreation programs on Wednesday which includes swimming at city pools along with Rec Rentals at The Docks on the recreational canal plus The Empire Sportsplex as well as tonight’s supper market.<img src="https://ontariochronicle. ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1784188772_905_default. jpg" alt="" class="thumbnail" loading="lazy"/
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Be Aware Of Symptoms
Environment Canada suggests people limit their time outside while keeping windows and doors shut when indoors.
“People most at risk include those aged 65 or older; pregnant individuals; infants; young children; those with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions; as well as anyone working outdoors,” said the agency.
If you need to go outside it’s recommended you wear a “well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask.”
You might experience symptoms like headaches or irritation in your eyes, nose or throat along with a mild cough. P>
“More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing; chest pains; or severe coughing. If you believe you’re experiencing a medical emergency seek immediate medical help,” mentioned Environment Canada. P>WATCH | Wildfires in northwestern Ontario prompt evacuations:<img src="https://ontariochronicle. ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1784188772_905_default. jpg" alt="" class="thumbnail" loading="lazy"/
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