Toronto resumes outdoor pools and programming as smoke clears Saturday afternoon
City lifts air quality restrictions; FIFA Fan Festival and beaches reopen as weather improves.
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Toronto is resuming outdoor programming and services Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m. after suspending them due to poor air quality from northwestern Ontario wildfires.
The decision follows consultations with the city's medical officer and Environment and Climate Change Canada. City officials said they are "revising its approach to responding to air quality alerts to better balance public health considerations with residents' access to the outdoor facilities, programs and services they rely on."
Services returning include all outdoor pools and wading pools, lifeguard supervision at 10 city beaches, CampTO field trips, and other registered programs. FIFA Fan Festival events on Saturday and Sunday are also expected to resume.
The city will continue monitoring weather and may temporarily close outdoor services again if conditions worsen or public health risks increase.
Residents should check the city's website for specific reopening times for pools and beaches.
The facts
When did Toronto reopen outdoor pools and beaches?
Toronto resumed outdoor pools, wading pools, and lifeguard supervision at 10 city beaches on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 2 p.m.
What caused the temporary closure of outdoor services?
Poor air quality from northwestern Ontario wildfires prompted Toronto to suspend outdoor programming and services.
What other services reopened on Saturday, July 18?
CampTO field trips, other registered programs, and FIFA Fan Festival events on Saturday and Sunday also resumed in Toronto on July 18, 2026.
