Poor air quality continues to wreak havoc on recreation programming in Ontario communities

The skies may be a little clearer today but smoke from wildfires a thousand miles away continue to play havoc with recreational programs in Durham Region communities.

Cancellations have been reported in several towns in the region Thursday due to continued “poor air quality.”

Municipal outdoor recreation programs in Clarington, including Orono Pool drop-in swimming and Families in the Park have been cancelled for the second day in a row due to poor air quality. Clarington Camps will also remain indoors to “protect the safety of our participants and staff.”

As well, municipal staff who are required to work outdoors have been provided with personal protective equipment to help reduce exposure to airborne particulate matter associated with wildfire smoke.

In Whitby, all morning Playground program locations are closed due to the continuing air quality warning, with the town advising residents on their website to watch for further updates.

All Playground programs have also been cancelled in Ajax, including the pre-planned swim trip, due to air quality.

The Ajax Memorial outdoor pool is closed and all programming cancelled.

Swimmers are encouraged to use alternate swimming at our community centres which remain open and available during all regular operating hours.

The air quality was so bad in Oshawa Wednesday the evening performance of the Oshawa Civic Band at the Bandshell at Memorial Park was moved inside the structure, with the tiny quarters limiting those who could attend.