Wildfire smoke causing cancellations, changes

The poor, dangerous air quality across the Ottawa-Gatineau region means some events have been cancelled or changed.

Wildfires are burning in and around eastern Ontario and western Quebec, causing smog warnings and special weather statements about the smoke.

Ottawa's air quality index was a "very highrisk" to people's health Tuesday morning.

By early afternoon, it settled back to a level that is deemed high risk, which was the same situation asBelleville, Cornwall and Kingston. At that level, at-risk people should reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities and everyone else should consider it.

Because of this, the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB),Limestone District School BoardandRenfrew County District School Boardhavecancelled outdoor extracurriculars and will be keeping students inside at recess Tuesday.

The UCDSB has also cancelled outdoor activities for Wednesday with more smoke in the forecast.

TheRenfrew County Catholic District School Boardis keeping students inside.

TheConseil des coles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontariois cancellingoutside extracurriculars and activities, along with intense physical activity inside during phys ed. TheConseil des coles catholiques du Centre-Estis asking schools to cancel outdoor activities, including keeping recess indoors.

TheOttawa-Carleton District School Board has cancelled a track meet and rescheduledNCSSAAgames. It's asking schools to keep students indoors.

The Ottawa CatholicSchool Boardhas alsocancelled a track meet.

The Limestone District School Board has cancelled all outdoor activities for Wednesday, and will be holding recess, physical educationand any typical outdoor extracurricular activities indoors.

TheOttawa Sport & Social Club andSoccer Outaouaishavecancelled all outdoor games Tuesday. TheEastern Ontario District Soccer Associationsays it has cancelled all games "under its control" and has encouraged its clubs to cancel practices.

Special Olympics Ontario has cancelled bocce, soccer and track competitions today at its school championship in Kingston.

The Ottawa Redblackshave changed Tuesday's practice to an indoor walkthrough.

TheCity of Ottawahas cancelled all outdoor recreational programs and leagues taking place onTuesday. Drop-in programs will move indoors, where possible.