While the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for Thunder Bay is currently Very High Risk, it is forecasted to improve later today, and in the coming days, allowing the City to reopen some facilities that were temporarily closed.

As air quality improves, City crews will resume outdoor work with enhanced health and safety measures, including the use of respiratory protection where appropriate, more frequent breaks, and ongoing monitoring of conditions.

As a result, the following service changes are in effect today:

  • The Splash Pads at County Park, Franklin Street, North End Park, and the Northwood Playfield are open today.
  • Golf courses will monitor air quality throughout the day and will open when conditions improve. Golfers with tee times will be contacted directly. Updates will also be posted on-site and through the City's social media channels when the courses are fully open.

Collection crews are working to pick up garbage from businesses and multi-residential units today and tomorrow. Regularly scheduled residential collection will resume this week.

Outdoor pools and beaches, along with the Marina Park/Prince Arthur’s Landing splash pad will remain closed.

The City will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day and is prepared to adjust operations should air quality deteriorate.

Regional Wildfire Response

While conditions near Thunder Bay have improved, the regional wildfire situation remains active, and several communities remain under evacuation orders or alerts.

Thunder Bay continues to play an important role in the regional emergency response. Evacuees are being accommodated throughout the city, while others are transiting through Thunder Bay International Airport to communities in Southern Ontario.

Community Support

The City would like to thank residents for the tremendous generosity they have shown in supporting evacuees.

Donations continue to be accepted at:

  • Superior Inn
  • The Avila Centre at Lakehead University
  • Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters

Non-perishable food donations can be made to the Regional Food Distribution Centre, while monetary donations are being accepted through the United Way of Thunder Bay.

While today's improvements are encouraging, this situation is not over. Wildfires continue to burn across the region, and additional communities may still require assistance.

The City will continue to monitor conditions closely, work alongside emergency management partners, and provide updates as new information becomes available.

Please continue to stay informed by following credible sources, stay prepared, and take care of one another.

 

More detailed information on the risks associated with poor air quality and ways you can protect yourself and your family, along with links to Environment Canada’s current AQHI can be found at www.tbdhu.com/outdoorair.

For the latest wildfire information, residents can view the current Smoke Forecast map at firesmoke.ca, and are encouraged to follow official updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources. We have also compiled a list of links to credible sources online that individuals may find useful which can be found at www.thunderbay.ca/fireinfo

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Contact:               Michelle Williams, Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Relations – 807-627-2446