Air quality still a concern in southwestern Ontario

A haze settled over Waterloo Region, following wildfires in northern Ontario, on July 15, 2026. (Courtesy: Raza Naqvi)

An air quality warning continues in southwestern Ontario due to lingering smoke from northern wildfires.

On Thursday morning, Environment Canada still had Waterloo Region at a 10 plus on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). That is the top of the scale and considered “very high risk.”

The agency expected conditions to improve throughout the day.

• Your daily and hourly forecast from CTV News Kitchener’s weather hub
• Cooling centres in the Region of Waterloo

By Friday, the AQHI could drop to 6 or “moderate risk.”

Cancellations and changes

Deteriorating air quality also prompted a number of cancellations on Thursday, while other events were moved indoors.

Here are the latest announcements:

Cambridge

• Outdoor pools closed
• City-run events and programs, including summer camps, moved indoors
• Non-essential outdoor city work and services paused
• All open-air burn permits suspended

Waterloo

• Uptown Night Market moved to the hockey rink at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex
• Launch party cancelled for Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival in Waterloo Square

Kitchener

• Outdoor pools closed
• Day camps moved indoors
• Play in the Park cancelled (all locations)
• Mobile skatepark
• Backyard fires and open burns banned

Brantford

• Woodman Pool closed
• Earl Haig Family Fun Park closed

Staying safe

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

Reactions can also vary from person to person.

“Some people are at higher risk,” Dr. Megan Davis, a resident doctor for Region of Waterloo Public Health, told CTV News on Wednesday. “People aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people spending extended periods outdoors are more likely to be impacted by the effects of wildfire smoke and should take extra precautions.”

Everyone is urged to limit their time outdoors. That includes rescheduling or canceling outdoor sports, activities and events. If that’s not possible, Environment Canada recommends wearing a well-fitted mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator, to reduce exposure to fine particles in the air.

When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, though that may be more difficult as the temperature climbs. In that situation, people should prioritize staying cool.