Waterloo Region festivals continue through smoky conditions as organizers urge caution

Despite lingering wildfire smoke across Waterloo Region, major outdoor events are continuing this weekend, with organizers encouraging attendees to make decisions based on their comfort level and health needs.

Despite lingering wildfire smoke across Waterloo Region, major outdoor events are continuing this weekend, with organizers encouraging attendees to make decisions based on their comfort level and health needs. The haze hanging over the region Friday did little to dampen spirits at the Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show, where visitors still lined up for barbecue and live entertainment. For Brantford resident Nick Murray, attending Ribfest remains a family tradition.

“The only thing that would stop me from coming is a lightning storm,” Murray said. Murray and his sons made the trip to Kitchener to enjoy smoked meats, not the smoky skies. “Today is a bit better on the air quality, so we thought about it a bit, but it’s OK today,” Murray said.

His son added he was “not too worried.” Meanwhile, the Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival is also moving ahead as scheduled, even as air quality concerns remain top of mind for organizers. “We are expecting the numbers to be lower, because we are expecting fans of the festival to make a decision that’s right for them,” said Steve Joyce, president of the Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival.

Festival organizers said they are closely monitoring conditions throughout the weekend and are prepared to adjust if air quality worsens. Artists are also being given the choice of whether they feel comfortable performing. “We’ll be watching that likely every 15 minutes or so, to make sure that things are going in the right direction,” Joyce said.

Environment Canada says wildfire smoke is expected to continue affecting the region through the weekend, with air quality remaining in the high to very high risk range at times. “It’s still likely that Kitchener-Waterloo is going to remain in the very high, or at least the high range of the Air Quality Health Index,” said Geoff Coulson, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada. Public health officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activity when air quality deteriorates, particularly for seniors, children, pregnant people and those with heart or lung conditions.

Wearing a well-fitted mask can also help reduce exposure to smoke particles. For festival organizers, the message is simple: enjoy the events if you feel comfortable, but put your health first. “Some people are going to stay away due to the smoke and we respect that entirely,” Joyce said.

The Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival runs through Sunday in Waterloo’s uptown core, while the Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show continues at Victoria Park throughout the weekend. Organizers of both events say they will continue monitoring conditions and sharing updates with attendees as needed.