Air Quality Warning - Services Affected

Updated July 17, 2026

An Orange Air Quality Warning has been initiated for the City of Hamilton by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks beginning July 15, 2026. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada is reporting an Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) of 10+, When the AQHI is forecasted to reach 10+, Environment and Climate Change Canada issues an Orange Air Quality Warning that stays in effect until it is cancelled. To check the current AQHI value for Hamilton, visit Hamilton, Ontario - Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) - Environment Canada.

Affected Services

Recreation

The following outdoor recreation programs, amenities and activities are closed or cancelled July 17:

• Supie programs
• Wading pools
• Outdoor pools
• Pier 8 Boat tours
• Pier 8 Trolley tours
• Wild Waterworks will also be closed due to the poor air quality. 

The following recreation programs and services will be modified July 17:

• Camp Kidaca programs will take place mainly indoors
• Free Fitness at the Park will move indoors
• Additional open swims will be offered at indoor pools 

Waste Collection

Waste Management has suspended garbage, green bin, yard waste, and bulk waste collection as of midday July 16. 

City waste collection status for Friday, July 17:

• Collection of waste (garbage, green bin and yard waste) as part of Friday collection routes in Wards 4, 5, 12 and 13 is cancelled. Residents are asked to bring their waste in from the curb or they can deliver to the City’s three Community Recycling Centres at no charge.
• Option 1: Bring your garbage, green bin, yard waste and bulk items back onto your property and place them back at the curb next Friday, July 24 for collection.
  • To help residents manage an extra week of waste accumulation, the garbage limit on Friday, July 24 only will increase to three (3) bags or containers. The maximum weight remains 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag or container.
• Option 2: Deliver your waste to a Community Recycling Centre for no charge on Friday July 17 or Saturday July 18.
  • Food waste must be packaged in a garbage bag. Residents are asked to separate recyclables from garbage and will be asked to confirm postal code to confirm waste collection day. Community Recycling Centres are not open on Sundays.
• Waste collection (garbage, green bin and yard waste) is expected to proceed in Wards 6, 9 and 11 through the City's contractor, GFL.
• GFL, the contractor for the transitioned Blue Box program, is expected to complete Blue Box collection in Wards 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12 and 13.
• Staff will be performing less physically strenuous cleanliness activities in the downtown core, such as emptying litter containers with the use of a mechanical tipper.
• If your regular collection day is Thursday and your waste was not picked up on July 16:
  • Place your waste back at the curb next Thursday, July 23, for collection.
  • To help residents manage an extra week of waste accumulation, the garbage limit on Thursday, July 23 only will increase to three (3) bags or containers.
  • The maximum weight remains 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag or container.

Further Information on Air Quality

Reduce your health risk from poor air quality 

• Limit time outdoors. Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. If it is too warm, turn on the air conditioning if possible. If you do not have air conditioning and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek out indoor cooling or clean air spaces. 
• Update your air filter. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for using a clean, good-quality air filter in your ventilation system or use a portable air filter.
• Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner. Use a portable air purifier to filter particles in the air.
• Improve indoor air quality. Reduce sources of indoor air pollutants and protect indoor spaces from wildfire smoke getting inside. Learn more at www.canada.ca/air-health.

How wildfire smoke impacts air quality

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can be harmful to everyone, particularly young children, seniors, pregnant people, individuals with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or heart disease, and people who work outdoors. 

Exposure to wildfire smoke can cause mild symptoms such as headaches, production of mucus, a mild cough, and ear, throat, eye, and sinus irritation. More serious but less common symptoms of smoke exposure include dizziness, wheezing, chest pains, severe cough, asthma attacks, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations (irregular heartbeat). If you experience these symptoms, talk to a health care provider or seek urgent medical attention. 

When a heat warning and air quality warning are in effect at the same time, prioritize keeping cool, because overheating can be more dangerous to your health.

More information can be found at hamilton.ca/AirQuality