The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is adjusting a number of services this weekend as poor air quality continues to affect the region, citing concerns for the health and safety of residents and staff.
All outdoor municipal pools will remain closed for the weekend, while the indoor pools in Blenheim and Wallaceburg will stay open and operate on their regular schedules. Municipal splash pads will also remain open.
The Municipality said it is modifying some Parks operations to reduce employee exposure to smoke, and sports organizations will be notified of a temporary reduction in service levels. Parks staff will continue to monitor and maintain outdoor pools, sports fields and parks as required, provided conditions allow for safe work activities, but crews will not be completing sports field preparation over the weekend and will limit time spent outdoors whenever possible.
The temporary relief centre at Thames Campus Arena will close Saturday following low utilization on Friday. Residents seeking relief from smoky conditions can still access two community locations.
Chatham Hope Haven will remain open with extended hours through Saturday, opening at 7 a.m., and will continue operating daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chatham Hope Centre, located at 52 Croydon Street in Chatham, will remain open daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Municipality said it continues to monitor air quality conditions closely and will make further service adjustments as necessary. Residents are encouraged to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities when air quality is poor, keep windows and doors closed where possible, and check on family members, friends and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke.
Residents are encouraged to follow the CK Notices and Closures Facebook page for the latest information on municipal service impacts and facility closures, and to consult guidance from Chatham-Kent Public Health for more information on wildfire smoke and protecting their health.
