Ottawa's air quality reaches 'very high risk' on Sunday due to forest fire smoke
The City of Ottawa and the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival have cancelled outdoor events
Ottawa's air quality health index reached 10+ on Sunday morning, indicating a "very high risk" to human health, as plumes of smoke from wildfires in northern Quebec drift into the capital region.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) put out a special air quality statement on Sunday morning warning of "high levels of air pollution" in Ottawa due to the smoke.
The forecast is for the 10+ reading to continue into Sunday night, though ECCC said conditions are expected to improve on Monday, with a forecasted reading of seven. That is still considered high risk.
The statement advised residents to take precautions to reduce their exposure to the smoke, since even low concentrations can be harmful.
The agency said lung disease, heart disease and pregnancy can all increase risk. Older people, children and those who work outdoors are also at higher risk of negative health effects, it said.
Inside, a MERV filter with a rating of 13 or higher can help, as can a portable HEPA air cleaner.
Those who must spend time outdoors should use a well-fitted respirator-type mask to filter out fine particles, the statement said.
ECCC advises stopping or reducing activity if you feel unwell, and reaching out to a health care provider or a local health authority if symptoms become severe.
Quebec's Société de protection des forêts contre le feu said there are more than 100 active wildfires in the province.
Recreational programs, Indigenous pow wow cancelled
In response to the air quality conditions, the City of Ottawa announced it has cancelled outdoor recreational programs it directly operates, closed all outdoor pools and put a no-swim advisory on city beaches for Sunday.
Sport fields, ball diamonds, city parks and splash pads will remain open, and there is no impact to indoor programming. The city said it does not expect the air quality to continue to affect its services, though it advised residents to consult its website to stay up to date.
The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival also moved to cancel its Sunday pow wow due to the air quality statement from ECCC.
"The health of our drummers, dancers, performers, artists, community, and guests is our primary concern today," it said in a statement.
The festival also cancelled performances at its celebration stage and family fun activities, though vendors are allowed to remain open at their discretion.