Thick wildfire smoke across Manitoba cancels outdoor events, with Winnipeg’s air quality at “very high risk.” Health advisories and disruptions continue.
Wildfire Smoke Disrupts Outdoor Life in Manitoba
Thick smoke from ongoing wildfires continues to blanket Manitoba, leading to widespread disruptions and the cancellation of several outdoor events across the province, including in Winnipeg, Brandon, and northern regions. Air quality warnings remain in effect as officials urge residents to stay indoors.
Women’s Bike Ride Cancelled Over Safety Concerns
The annual Fancy Women Bike Ride in Winnipeg was cancelled for the second time this year, this time due to dangerously poor air quality. The ride, which celebrates women’s freedom and mobility through cycling, had already been postponed once due to thunderstorms. Organizers, including local advocate Patty Wiens, emphasized that this is the first year Bike Winnipeg has cancelled events purely due to smoke.
“We’re making health-first decisions,” Wiens said, noting the group has introduced a new policy to cancel events if air quality is rated as high risk.
Youth Soccer Matches Moved Indoors
The Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association was also affected, relocating 12 recreational playoff games indoors midway through Saturday’s championship kickoff. Officials cited the worsening air quality index, which reached “very high risk” (10+) levels throughout the weekend, as a primary reason.
Some Events Push Forward With Precautions
Despite the smoke, the Fringe Festival in Winnipeg and the Manitoba Stampede in Morris remained open. Fringe organizers distributed masks to attendees and volunteers. One visitor, Jamie Fougere, attended with his masked family, sharing concern about the lack of widespread mask use among the crowd.
Sailing Competition Called Off in Gimli
In Gimli, the Sail West regional championships, set to run from July 17–20, were cancelled for safety reasons. The four-day event would have brought 40 competitors to the water. Event co-chair Eric Turner said the call to cancel was necessary and may lead to permanent changes in safety protocols.
“We now need a formal air quality policy,” Turner noted. “Some sports have one, some don’t. This situation makes it clear we need one.”
Smoke Lingers With No Clear Exit
Meteorologists say that nearly all of Manitoba is under air quality advisories, with the smoke lingering due to light winds and low atmospheric movement. Brad Vrolijk of Environment and Climate Change Canada explained that the smoke is simply “smearing around with the winds,” with little airflow to disperse it.
The current pattern suggests no significant change in the immediate future, raising concerns about the long-term impact on summer events, public health, and outdoor recreation across the province.
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