A haze of wildfire smoke is continuing to choke the City of Toronto and officials have had to cancel or move many outdoor programs indoors.
Early Wednesday morning, Environment Canada warned the smoke, coming from northwestern Ontario, is causing “very poor air quality and reduced visibility,” with conditions not expected to improve until Friday morning.
The agency noted “everyone’s health is at risk” during periods of heavy smoke and urged people to limit time outdoors and reschedule or cancel outdoor activities.
Here’s a look at how the city is responding to that warning.
Camps, Fan Festival among those affected
The City of Toronto said all outdoor CampTO field trips and registered outdoor programs scheduled for Wednesday have been cancelled, postponed or moved indoors where possible because of the deteriorating air quality.
In Brampton, “camp activities have been modified to keep children indoors and limit outdoor exposure,” officials noted in a news release. In addition, “campers at outdoor-only locations have been relocated to indoor sites for the remainder of the week.”
For youth programs at the YMCA, staff tell CP24 that “programs with access to indoor spaces move activities indoors as much as possible and camp programs without indoor spaces adjust outdoor activities.”
At Boys & Girls club, all “outdoor activities and trips within the City of Toronto have been moved indoors, with the exception of one previously scheduled trip outside the city,” officials wrote in a statement to CP24.
Toronto has also cancelled today’s FIFA Fan Festival and the public match broadcast at Nathan Phillips Square, saying the decision was made to protect attendees, staff, volunteers and emergency personnel who would otherwise spend extended periods outdoors.
For those who were able to secure premium tickets, the city says those members will be contacted directly regarding refunds.
The City of Vaughan has also cancelled their semi-final celebration at Assembly Park.
Meanwhile, other Toronto services such as wading pools were closed because they are commonly used by younger children. The city also noted its outdoor workers were being moved indoors where possible and other operational adjustments were being made to reduce exposure to the smoke.
Other cancellations
Outside city-run programs, Wednesday evening’s Fitness in the Square (Sankofa Square) session featuring Socacize Fitness was also cancelled.
Organizers said the decision was made because of the combination of “poor air quality” and Toronto’s ongoing heat warning, adding they were “prioritizing the health and safety of our community, team, and instructors.”
In Niagara Falls, city officials have cancelled their nightly fireworks program saying “the program will remain paused until air quality conditions improve.”
What are the health risks?
Environment Canada says wildfire smoke can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and coughing, while more serious symptoms can include wheezing, chest pain and severe coughing.
Children, older adults, pregnant people, those with existing heart or lung conditions, outdoor workers and others who spend significant time outside are among those most vulnerable to the health impacts of wildfire smoke.
Officials are advising residents to stay indoors as much as possible with windows and doors closed, “using the highest quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle.”
