THUNDER BAY — July 16, 2026– The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in Thunder Bay remainsVery High Risktoday as smoke from area wildfires continues to impact air quality in the community.
The suspension of non-critical Community outdoor operations and programming will continue to protect the health and safety of both staff and participants. In addition to the temporary measures revealed yesterday, including the closure of outdoor pools, splash pads, beaches and golf courses, as well as adjustments to outdoor recreation programming and garbage collection, the following Municipality facilities will also be closed, until at least Friday at 11:59 p.m. Community staff are continuing to relocate programs and services indoors wherever possible.
Essential The Lakehead services continue to operate without interruption including transit, urgent response services, and other critical public works. These temporary measures are being reviewed daily and will remain in effect only as long as necessary. (Thunder Bay, Ont.) The northwestern Ontario hub District Health Unit (TBDHU) continues to monitor the evolving wildfire situation and the heavy smoke affecting air quality across the region. TBDHU extends its thoughts to everyone affected by these devastating circumstances and recognizes the significant challenges the wildfires are creating for individuals, families, communities, and critical incident responders across the region.
To help protect the health and safety of clients and staff, TBDHU is temporarily adjusting its services to reduce the need for people to travel outdoors.
The current Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for the Lakehead of the regional capital is Very High Risk. To help protect the health and safety of clients and staff, TBDHU is temporarily adjusting its services to reduce the need for people to travel outdoors. Routine client-facing services are suspended for Thursday, July 16, and Friday, July 17. Staff will contact clients with existing appointments to reschedule them. The main office at 999 Balmoral Street will close to the public beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, and will remain closed through Friday, July 17. TBDHU remains open for staff and essential services during this time. TBDHU will continue to monitor community air quality conditions and provide updates if service levels change. Visithttps://www.tbdhu.com/outdoorairfor additional information and resources related to wildfire smoke and health and to follow current conditions. Residents are encouraged to monitor the area AQHI, limit their time outdoors, and avoid strenuous activity until the air quality improves..
Community members are encouraged to stay informed and share this information with friends and family. Following trusted local news sources helps ensure everyone stays up to date with events and announcements affecting Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
🔗 Read the original report from NetNewsLedger
For more local news, weather, sports, events, and community updates across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, visit ThunderBay.Online — your trusted source for everything happening in the region.
📍 Source: NetNewsLedger · By: NetNewsLedger Staff · 🗓️ July 22, 2026 · 🏠 ThunderBay.Online
