Ajax Memorial Pool is closed and all outdoor playground programs are cancelled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, after Town of Ajax Fire and Emergency Services issued an air quality advisory on Wednesday. The advisory came as thick smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario drifted over the region, pushing the Air Quality Health Index to 10+, a very high risk level. The orange-level warning from Environment Canada covers all of Durham Region and cautions that conditions may not improve until Friday morning.
The Environment Canada alert warns residents that wildfire smoke is especially dangerous for people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, and anyone with an existing illness or chronic health condition. Everyone is urged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and seek air-conditioned spaces if symptoms like coughing or throat irritation appear.
While the pool and playgrounds are shut, all three Ajax community centres remain open as air respite and cooling centres during regular hours. Residents can find relief at the Ajax Community Centre, McLean Community Centre, or Audley Community Centre. The closures and cancellations affect all Recreation and Culture programming at outdoor locations for the day.
Over 830 wildfires are burning across Canada, with more than one hundred listed as out of control as of July 15. Environment Canada says the drifting smoke is reducing visibility and creating a widespread orange haze across the Greater Toronto Area. On the same day, Toronto ranked first on IQAir’s list of the world’s most polluted major cities.
Temperatures in the area hit 36.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, and Wednesday was the 13th day this year above 30 degrees. Typically, Toronto sees only seven such days by mid-July. The combination of extreme heat and poor air quality increases the risk for heat-related illness and respiratory problems, so residents are being told to limit time outdoors and to check on family, friends, and neighbours who may be more vulnerable.
