City of Toronto adjusting programming due to poor air quality

Thestar.com
June 8, 2023
Hayley McGoldrick

The City of Toronto says they will be adjusting programming in response to the poor air quality caused by smoke plumes from forest fires in Quebec and Ontario.

Most services in the city are continuing to run uninterrupted, but there are changes to city-run daycare operations, cancellations of some recreation programming as well as some cultural programming. While the cancellations are for Wednesday and Thursday, the city will monitor outdoor activities into the weekend.

Not all outdoor recreation programs were cancelled, as some were able to be modified and moved indoors. The city will directly contact program registrants who are being impacted and will provide updates on future cancellations or other changes.

Sport fields, baseball diamonds and parks in the city remain open and available, though Toronto Public Health suggests anyone looking to partake in outdoor sporting events consider the air quality when holding or modifying events.

Outdoor activities at Toronto Early Learning & Child Care Centres have been suspended reflecting the measures taken by Toronto school boards.

Venues such as the St. Lawrence Market are still reviewing their outdoor activities, while Toronto History Museums have cancelled all outdoor programming until the Special Air Quality Statement is lifted.

The city says they are still offering services to help individuals experiencing homelessness, including approximately 9,000 shelter spaces and a network of drop-in programs. It also has a designated map of “cool spaces” like libraries, community and civic centres that residents can use to escape the heat. The city is also working to add additional temporary contingency spaces at various shelter sites in areas not used for sleeping, such as common areas, and do wellness checks and provide water for those staying outside.

Toronto Public Health is suggesting those in the city avoid strenuous outdoor activity, limit time outside, keep windows closed if possible, use air conditioning if possible, set HVAC systems to recirculate air and use HEPA air filters.