Expect 'very poor' air quality lasting until Friday in Waterloo region and Guelph areas

Expect 'very poor' air quality lasting until Friday in Waterloo region and Guelph areas

Smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario cause for poor air quality, Environment Canada says

Hazy conditions and very poor air quality is likely to persist over the next few days in Waterloo region and Guelph areas, Environment Canada warns.

The weather agency issued an orange level air quality warning for much of southern Ontario Wednesday saying smoke from wildfires in the northwestern parts of the province is causing "very poor" air quality and reduced visibility.

"You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough," Environment Canada said in its warning.

"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."

Wildfire smoke reaches Waterloo region and area

Henry Fung, an operational meteorologist with Environment Canada, said people should limit how much time they spend out doors and gives some tips on how to stay safe.

"Keep windows, doors closed as much as possible and if you must spend time outdoors, wear a respirator type mask," he told CBC News.

"Check on others in your care or whoever lives nearby that is more likely to be impacted by the smoke."

Those include people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and children, as well as people with chronic health conditions and people who work outdoors.

Environment Canada said conditions are expected to improve Friday morning.

Some events modified, others cancelled

Events like outdoor watch parties for the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final game today between Argentina and England are being modified, while others are being cancelled.

The Downtown Kitchener BIA said there will be no screening of the game today due to the poor air quality.

At Cambridge's Gaslight District, the group said the people can still watch the game on the big screen, but an indoor option will be available at Tapestry Hall.

Where to find cooling and clean air spaces

Region of Waterloo Public Health has a list of cooling and clear air spaces on its website, as well as an interactive map for people to use.

Those spaces include libraries and community centres across the tri-cities and townships.

Public health officials in Guelph and Wellington County also released a new map in June to also help the community find places to beat the heat and find clean air.

Philip Wong, operations director of environmental health with the health unit, told CBC News in June public health added clean air spaces in the area because poor air quality due to wildfire smoke has become a recurring issue.

"We had a big one back in 2023 and we saw some in 2024 and a little last year and it seems to be an annual thing now so we have started to incorporate clean air spaces within our messaging," Wong said.

Carmen Groleau is a reporter/editor with CBC Kitchener-Waterloo. She has been with the team for almost a decade wearing many hats. She has a particular interest in covering municipal affairs and court.