Air quality impacts – July 16, 2026
Due to air quality concerns, City of Kitchener programs, events and services may be impacted. Please check back regularly for additional updates.
This list was last updated on July 16 at 12:10 p.m.
Pools
- All outdoor pools are closed.
- Free indoor public swims:
- Cameron Heights Pool - 1 to 2:30 p.m.
- Forest Heights Pool - 2 to 3:25 p.m.
- Forest Heights Pool - 6:30 to 9 p.m.
- Grand River Recreation Complex - 2 to 3:45 p.m.
- Grand River Recreation Complex - 8 to 9 p.m.
- Breithaupt Recreation Centre - 9 to 10 p.m.
Please note public swims are first come, first served.
Children and youth programming
- Day camp programming has been moved indoors.
- Offsite trips have been cancelled
- Cancellations:
- Play in the Park – all locations
- Mobile skatepark
Other programming
- Cancellations
- Golf Fore Life
- Horseshoes
- ZUMBA® (TOGETHER) 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Country Hills Community Centre
- Sculpt & Sweat 7 to 8:00 p.m. at Country Hills Community Centre
- All outdoor programs for today (July 16) at Williamsburg Community Centre
- Relocated events
- Live at Lunch at 12 p.m. has moved indoors to the City Hall Rotunda.
- Show and Tell open mic at 7 p.m. has moved indoors to the City Hall Rotunda.
Any sport organization with a sport field or diamond rental may self-select to cancel programming due to poor air quality conditions. If your organization decides to cancel activities, please notify the Facility Scheduler – Sportfields as soon as possible by emailing fieldbookings@kitchener.ca.
Organizations are encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions and make decisions based on the health and safety of participants, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators.
Due to air quality concerns, the City of Kitchener has enacted a temporary fire ban as of July 15, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
Backyard fires and open burns are not permitted at this time due to current air quality concerns. No new open burn permits will be issued or approved during the ban.
- Stay indoors with windows closed and air conditioning turned on if it’s warm
- Visit a fresh air centre, arena or community centre during regular business hours
- Ensure you’re stocked up on anything you need such as food and medications
- Reduce strenuous activities
- Stay away from areas with high vehicle traffic
For more information:
Corporate Communications and Marketing
City of Kitchener
media@kitchener.ca
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.