Poor air quality in Montreal from Quebec wildfires forces event cancellations

The haze of smog envelopingMontreal has forced several sports organizations tocancel their events in the citySunday.

Environment Canada reported that the air quality health index (AQHI) for Montreal is 10+, which corresponds to a "very high risk" level. It's expected to go down to fiveon Monday,which corresponds to a "moderate risk" level.

According to IQAir a Swiss technology company that monitors air quality Montreal had the most polluted air among dozens of major cities included in its rankings as of 4p.m. Sunday.

The city of Montreal said in a tweet Sunday afternoon that outdoor sport facilities,including pools and wading pools, will be closed until noon Monday. Outdoor cultural activities will also be cancelled. It saysmunicipal day camps will remain openbut will prioritize indoor activities.

Poor air quality has lead the Socitde transport de Laval (STL)to offer discounted fares in an effort to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and limit theimpact of trafficon air pollution.

For Sunday and Monday, transit goers can ride the busand taxibusfor $1, paid by cash, credit or debit. The initiativeis part of the STL's Smog Alert program launched in 2008.

Several events cancelled

Organizers ofPikniclectronikMontreal said in a Facebook post that they will be postponing theFte nationaleevent scheduled for 4 p.m. at Parc Jean-Drapeauto June 30 since the air quality today is"not up to par."

A handful of rugby competitionsthat wereset to take place Sunday in Beaconsfield, Laval and Quebec City as well asan Ironman triathlon in Mont-Tremblantwere cancelled Sunday morning.

World Triathlon initially tweeted thatthe mixed relay race in Montreal would be delayed, but organizers cancelled the event by 10:15 a.m.

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Elite triathlete Emy Legault, who would have competed in the race, said it was in the "athletes' best interest" to wait until next year.

"The priority is always athletes'health, and I'm proud that we can stop the event when necessary so that athletes don't have health problems in the weeks and months to come," she said.

Lakeshore Soccer Club, in Kirkland, has also cancelled its activities for the day.

The city of Cte Saint-Luc has closed alloutdoor installations, including pools, tennis courtsand pedal boats.

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All Fte nationale festivities scheduled to take place at Alexandre-Bourgeau ParkinPointe-Clairehave also been cancelled.

Quebec's public health director Dr. Luc Boileau was not available for an interview Sunday when asked by Radio-Canada.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Health Ministrysaid people should stay indoors with their windows closed to minimize exposure to air pollution. They say residents can call Info Sant 811 for more information.