Pool cancellations, burn bans in place as air quality warning continues

As smoke from wildfires across northern Ontario continues to drift south, impacting the air quality across Waterloo Region, the various cities and townships have had to react, now making changes to some local programs and outlets.

It comes as an orange-level air quality warning remains in place for Waterloo Region, with Environment Canada saying the smoke brings along increased health risks, asking that people limit their time outdoors and “consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.”

It’s that last point that has sprung some action from the local townships and the Tri-Cities, which have decided that some outdoor amenities may be the best way to keep residents safe, including a burn ban in Woolwich Township.

“Effective at that time, all active burn permits will be suspended, and no new burn permits will be issued until further notice,” said the local township in a statement. “Residential and open-air burning will not be permitted while the ban remains in effect.”

It did specify that propane and natural gas appliances, such as barbecues and gas fire tables, “may continue to be used safely in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.”

The Township said that failing to comply with the burn ban may result in various fees and/or charges for residents.

A fire ban has also been enacted in the City of Kitchener, which has also closed all outdoor pools, moved child and youth programming indoors, and rescheduled its yoga events at Kiwanis Park and Civic Centre Park.

Similar steps and actions have also been taken by the City of Cambridge and the City of Waterloo, both pushing for safety through the ongoing orange-level air quality warning.

Additional closures and changes include:

City of Waterloo closures and cancellations:

• Moses Springer – closed, additional capacity has been added to the WMRC Swimplex for public swims this afternoon
• outdoor CARL (Community Adult Recreation League) – cancelled (staff anticipate a return to programming tomorrow)
• Movies in the Park – cancelled

City of Waterloo changes:

• All City of Waterloo summer camps continue to be indoor only.

Community events:

• The Uptown BIA Night Market, usually held in the Waterloo Public Library parking lot, has been relocated to the arena floor at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex (7 to 10 p.m.)
• Salsa in the Square (Waterloo Public Square) has been cancelled.

Further details on any cancellations and individual changes due to the smoke can be found on each municipality’s website.