Current situation
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the Ottawa area due to smoke from the Saskatchewan and Manitoba wildfires. People with breathing and heart problems, and parents and caregivers of children, should pay attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index available at airqualityontario.com.
Be alert for air quality warnings in your area. Environment Canada issues air quality advisories and alerts when air pollution or wildfire smoke becomes a risk to public health.
If you receive an air quality alert, consider going indoors or reducing your time outdoors. Poor air quality affects everyone differently and conditions can change suddenly. Stay indoors with exterior windows and doors closed and reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.
Check back here, the City's Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) feeds, or local news media for the latest information.
Health and City service impacts
Ottawa Public Health has advice on how to avoid the risks of poor air quality and who is most at risk.
For information about City of Ottawa service impacts, you can connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Bluesky Instagram or sign up to receive City news by email.
Outdoor recreation impacts
City-Run Outdoor Programs and Leagues
All outdoor programs, leagues, and drop-ins will proceed with caution, limiting time outdoors when possible.
Rentals and Associated Leagues
The decision to conduct rentals and associated leagues using an outdoor City of Ottawa facility is at the discretion of the organizers.
Sports Fields, Ball Diamonds, and Parks
Sports fields, ball diamonds and parks remain open. Permit holders may cancel by emailing sports@ottawa.ca. Credits will be issued per the inclement weather policy.
Splash Pads
All splash pads remain open.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Supports for residents
Supports for residents
City facilities that are open to the public can be used to seek relief during operating hours, including:
Residents are encouraged to find more information on supports and resources available on Ottawa Public Health’s air pollution website, ottawa.ca, or by calling 3-1-1 or 2-1-1.
People experiencing homelessness
The City and its community partners ensure people experiencing homelessness have access to shelters, drop-in programs and outreach services during extreme weather events, which includes events of poor air quality.
Residents can call 3-1-1 to alert the City to people experiencing homelessness who may need additional support.