Outdoor activities cancelled again due to smoke in Greater Toronto Area

Outdoor activities are cancelled again across the Greater Toronto Area as smoke from wildfires continues to impact air quality.

Forest fires continue to burn across northern Ontario, with flames already razing communities such as Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, also known as Collins First Nation, north of Thunder Bay.

Environment Canada says the hazy, smoky conditions in some areas could temporarily improve today, but for others, they could persist into the weekend.

The Air Quality Health Index rating remains very high across most of the GTA. An orange-level warning was in effect in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and Halton Region on Friday. Durham Region was under a yellow-level warning as air quality conditions had improved on Friday morning.

Both the City of Toronto and Mississauga have announced changes to outdoor programming on Friday.

In Mississauga, outdoor programming will be moved indoors where possible.

Let’s Play in the Park programs are cancelled, and all outdoor pools are closed, the City of Mississauga said.

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.

The City of Toronto said all wading and outdoor pools are closed on Friday.

Niagara Falls also announced that athletic fields, Niagara Falls Lions Pool and Buck Hinsperger Pool are closed on Friday.

Environment and Climate Change Canada advises people to limit time outdoors.

Reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events.

People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.

When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool, Environment Canada advises.

A well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.

Lead photo: City of Mississauga