Public Notice: Poor Air Quality Closures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE July 19, 2026 (9am)

Air Quality has improved significantly and is showing a low risk https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/onaq-015_e.html. All closed municipal sites have now been reopened.

UPDATE July 17, 2026 (4 pm)

As of the latest update, closures will remain in place until further notice.

UPDATE July 17, 2026 (8 am)

• Bay Beach is closed.
• Splash pads are closed.
• The Tennis Club is closed.
• Recreation programs are cancelled.
• Derby Days event has been cancelled for today and will continue to monitor air quality for the remainder of the event.

Please monitor the following resources for further details:

https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/healthmessage_e.html

https://weather.gc.ca/?layers=alert,radar,¢er=44.28890481,-81.00946008&zoom=6

https://weather.gc.ca/en/location/index.html?coords=42.914,-78.923

https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/onaq-015_e.html

Open Air Burning 

Our open-air burning bylaw states that burning is banned during active heat advisories, smog alerts, or when wind speeds may cause safety hazards. Campfires are prohibited. Other class A burning devices used for cooking, like charcoal and biomass stoves, and candles such as citronella candles, are still permitted. 

https://www.forterie.ca/fire-and-emergency-services/fire-prevention/burning-permits/

By law 93-2020 - https://www.forterie.ca/media/m4ofnem0/93-2020-open-air-fire-burning.pdf

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FORT ERIE, ON (July 16, 2026) 

Due to poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke, the Town of Fort Erie has temporarily closed or cancelled the following programs and facilities for today (Thursday, July 16) until further notice:

• Bay Beach is closed.
• Splash pads are closed.
• The Tennis Club is closed.
• Recreation programs are cancelled.
• The Supper Market scheduled for this evening has been cancelled.

The Town will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as they become available.

Bay Beach Pass Holders

• If you purchased a Bay Beach pass for today, your pass will be honoured on another day of your choosing.

For your health and safety:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.
• Keep windows and doors closed where possible.
• If you must be outdoors, limit strenuous activity.
• Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung conditions are at greater risk from poor air quality and should take extra precautions.

Need a place to escape the smoke?
The following air-conditioned public facilities remain open:

• Fort Erie Leisureplex (3 Municipal Centre Dr.) opens at 7 a.m. Guests are welcome to use the Atrium, washrooms, and walking track during regular business hours, which usually end around the last hockey game or practice. Please call 905-871-1600 to confirm hours.
• All three branches of the Fort Erie Public Library (link to hours and phone numbers)
  Maps to each location: Centennial (136 Gilmore Rd.), Stevensville (2508 Stevensville Rd.), and Crystal Ridge (89 Ridge Rd. S.).

For the latest information, follow the Town of Fort Erie's social media channels, or contact Customer Service at 905-871-1600.

For media inquiries, please visit: Media Requests & Interviews