Air quality warning in Waterloo Region extended to Friday
Posted Jul 16, 2026 06:01:04 AM.
Last Updated Jul 16, 2026 07:18:25 AM.
Waterloo Region and Guelph residents woke up Thursday to more thick smoke, and strong smells of campfire.
A severe orange level air quality alert remained in effect, with Environment Canada expecting the poor air conditions to continue into Friday.
Official said it could potentially improve ahead of the weekend.
For most of the day Wednesday, the Air Quality Index reading in Waterloo Region and Guelph was at a 10+, the highest it could go, or very high risk.
Those severe air quality levels were still off the chart on Thursday morning, with officials not expecting much improvement throughout the day.
Wednesday, several local municipalities closed outdoor pools, splash pads, outdoor activities, and moved summer camps inside. Burn bans have been issued across Waterloo Region as well.
The World Cup viewing party in downtown Kitchener was also cancelled due to the poor air quality concerns.
“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status,” reads the warning from Environment Canada
The warning urges residents to limit time outdoors, reschedule outdoor sports or events, and monitor for symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, mild cough, wheezing, chest pain or severe cough. Those most vulnerable – including older adults, pregnant people, infants, young children, people with chronic conditions and outdoor workers – are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
In northwestern Ontario, there was concern Thursday that winds out of the northwest could fan the flames of dozens of forest fires that have already devastated communities in northern Ontario.
Environment Canada says the community of Armstrong can expect widespread smoke with wind gusts of up to 40 kilometres per hour for most of today.
The fires have prompted evacuation orders for several communities, including Armstrong, Lac La Croix First Nation, Whitesand First Nation, Gull Bay First Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation.
Premier Doug Ford has said crews are hard at work fighting more than 180 wildfires across northern Ontario, and the province will spare no expense in keeping people safe.
Ontario forest fire officials on Tuesday said there were 148 active fires in the northwest region alone, including 69 that were out of control.
With files from the Canadian Press
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