Air Quality Warning Extended in Waterloo and Guelph

Hazy skies and poor air quality are expected to continue for the next few days in the Waterloo region and Guelph, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The agency issued an orange-level air quality alert for much of southern Ontario on Wednesday, indicating that smoke from wildfires in the northwestern part of the province is leading to “very poor” air conditions and lower visibility.

“You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough,” Environment Canada noted in its alert.

“More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.”

WATCH | Wildfire smoke reaches Waterloo region and area:

Wildfire smoke reaches Waterloo region and area

Thick haze covered Waterloo region, Guelph, and surrounding areas on Wednesday morning. This follows Environment and Climate Change Canada’s upgrade of the local air quality alert from yellow to orange. Conditions are forecasted to last until Friday. CBC K-W’s Carmen Groleau reports.

Henry Fung, an operational meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, advised residents to limit outdoor activities and provided some safety tips.

“Keep windows, doors closed as much as possible, and if you need to be outside, wear a respirator-type mask,” he told .

“Check on others around you or neighbors who might be more affected by the smoke.”

This includes individuals aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and children, as well as those with chronic health issues or who work outdoors.

Environment Canada mentioned that conditions should improve by Friday morning.

Fire bans implemented

Jeffrey Smith, fire Chief in North Dumfries Township, has announced a fire ban until the smoke clears. This applies to all fires under burn permits as well as recreational burning. Barbecues and other approved devices are still permitted at this time.

“With high temperatures and dry conditions increasing fire risk, officials from all four township fire departments are closely monitoring the situation; they may implement a total burn ban if things get worse,” Smith stated in the release.

A fire ban will also start at midnight in Woolwich Township.

“All active burn permits will be suspended; no new burn permits will be granted until further notice. Residential burning will not be allowed while the ban is active,” Woolwich announced in their release.

Event changes due to air quality

<p. Events like outdoor watch parties for today's FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final game between Argentina and England have been adjusted or cancelled due to poor air quality.

The Downtown Kitchener BIA said there would be no screening of the game today because of these conditions.

In Cambridge’s Gaslight District, attendees can still watch on a big screen but an indoor option will be available at Tapestry Hall instead.

Both Kitchener and Cambridge have temporarily closed outdoor pools; all city-run events including summer camps will now take place indoors instead.

“Non-essential outdoor city work has been paused while critical services continue,” Cambridge said in their announcement.

“Outdoor recreation bookings such as sports fields remain up to organizers’ discretion.”

Kitchener’s Play in the Park program along with mobile skatepark sessions have been cancelled. A yoga hike scheduled for Kiwanis Park Wednesday night has been postponed until July 22 at 6:45 p. m., while yoga at Civic Centre Park has been called off entirely.

Backyard fires are not allowed in Kitchener right now; no new open burn permits will be issued during this period.

Kitchener is offering free indoor public swims at Cameron Heights Pool from 6 p. m. to 8 p. m., followed by sessions at Grand River Recreation Complex’s Lyle Hallman Pool from 8 p. m. to 9 p. m.

In Waterloo minor soccer teams cancelled practices for Wednesday night.

In Guelph both minor soccer games along with minor baseball practices were also cancelled; however minor softball games went ahead while their practices were maintained.

Workers clean windows of a downtown Kitchener building on Wednesday morning after Environment Canada issued an orange-level warning for air quality. (Carmen Groleau/CBC)

Cooling centers available

>Region of Waterloo Public Health provides information about cooling centers on its website along with an interactive map for residents’ use.These locations include libraries along with community centers throughout tri-cities and townships.Public health authorities in Guelph and Wellington County also released a new map back in June aimed at helping locals locate places where they can escape heat while finding clean air too.Philip Wong who oversees environmental health operations within public health told previously that clean air spaces were added locally since wildfire smoke has become increasingly frequent over recent years.”We had significant incidents back in 2023 followed by more occurrences through early 2024 then again last year making it seem like annual issue which led us incorporating clean-air messaging into our efforts,” Wong explained.

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