Newmarket schools, club pause outdoor activity due to wildfire smoke

York Region District School Board, Newmarket Soccer Club cancelling outdoor activity as smoke from northern Ontario forest fires impacts air quality here

Newmarkettoday.ca
June 7, 2023
Joseph Quigley

Newmarket and York Region schools and clubs are cancelling outdoor activity as smoke from forest fires in northern Ontario impacts air quality in the community.

York Region District School Board (YRDSB) announced June 6 that it would be holding indoor recesses starting tomorrow and moving outdoor activities indoors. They have been followed by similar announcements, with the Newmarket Soccer Club also moving to cancel games due to the poor air quality.

With the region under an Air Quality Health Index, YRDSB said it was a needed step.

“The health and safety of our students and staff is our priority,” the school board said in a news release. “As the situation evolves, we will continue to provide families with information.”

Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement this week, indicating Newmarket and the region may experience poorer air quality throughout this week. The smoke stems from forest fires in northern Ontario and is impacting communities throughout the province.

York Region said the smoke “can be harmful to everyone’s health, even at low concentrations.”

“High-risk individuals should consider rescheduling or limiting outdoor activities today,” the region said on social media. “Check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke.”

The Newmarket Soccer Club, at the request of Ontario Soccer and the York Region Soccer Association, said it is not proceeding with activities tonight due to the Ontario Air Quality Health Index.

“The Newmarket Soccer Club will continue to work with their governing bodies as this will be an unfortunate ongoing scenario,” it said. “The Newmarket Soccer Club will establish and share the make-up dates options for the missed sessions.”

Multiple Newmarket residents have commented on social media about the smell of smoke hanging in the air throughout the day.

“Having issues breathing in this weather,” one resident said on Facebook. “Prayers to all who are suffering.”