Wildfire smoke drifting in from northwestern Ontario has forced a wave of cancellations and closures across the region, with an Environment Canada air quality warning expected to persist into Friday.
Chatham-Kent Public Health sent out a notice Wednesday flagging the Environment Canada warning for the area, saying poor air quality was expected to worsen through the day and could last through Friday, July 17, 2026, and pointing residents to www.airhealth.ca for more information.
Locally, the impacts were immediate. Walpole Island First Nation has converted its arena into a cooling station and safe space, telling residents to bring pillows and blankets. Those staying home were advised to remain indoors with doors and windows closed.
In Sarnia, the Legion cancelled its Catch the Ace draw for week 45, Thursday, July 16. “Our ever expanding Safety Plan is telling us we need to cancel tomorrow’s Catch the Ace, due to the poor air quality,” the Legion said, adding “more details to follow.” The jackpot has grown to as much as $4.1 million. As a way to thank patrons, the Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary Pinks Kitchen will offer a free lunch Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the purchase of a beverage, while supplies last. Karaoke night is still on, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Wallaceburg Minor Baseball cancelled all games and practices Wednesday due to the smoke. Chatham-Kent’s recreation department closed all municipal outdoor pools for the remainder of the night as of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, saying it would “continue to monitor the conditions” and post updates.
Residents are urged to keep checking forecasts and alerts issued by Environment Canada, available at weather.gc.ca.
