Wildfire smoke closes Bay Beach, Supper Market cancelled
July 16, 2026 at 5:05 PM
The Town of Fort Erie closed Bay Beach, its splash pads and the Tennis Club on Thursday and cancelled recreation programs and the Crystal Beach Waterfront Supper Market after wildfire smoke pushed the region’s air quality to high-risk levels.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an air quality warning for the Niagara Region, and the town said it will monitor conditions and post updates as they become available.
Several food truck vendors had already told Supper Market organizers they would not attend Thursday’s event to protect the health of their staff. The announcement stated the market will return next Thursday.
Drone footage captures the thick orange haze covering Niagara with a campfire-like smell on Wednesday. Credit: Evan HawlitzkyGarrison Road business owners postponed the revived Friendship Festival on Wednesday evening, two days before its planned Friday opening.
Smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario settled over the region Wednesday. Air Quality Ontario put Niagara’s health index at 9 out of 10 and said poor conditions may persist into Friday. The agency advised residents to reschedule or cancel outdoor events and warned the smoke threatens everyone regardless of age or health.
The town said anyone who purchased a Bay Beach pass for Thursday can use it on another day of their choosing.
Residents should stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows and doors closed and limit strenuous activity outside, the town said. Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions face greater risk and should take extra precautions.
Ontario’s Natural Resources Ministry said Thursday the province has 176 active fires, with 134 burning in the northwest and 62 out of control.
The fires have forced several communities, many of them Anishinaabe, to evacuate or prepare for evacuation, and the province has asked the federal government to be ready to deploy resources, including possible Canadian Armed Forces support.
Environment Canada forecasts the smoke to begin clearing Friday.
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About The Author
Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
It smelled nice outside today. The lake water looks disgusting but overall I felt it was better weather than 2 days ago when it was much hotter. At least the fires aren’t raging around us and we only have to endure (or enjoy) the smell of wood smoke for a few days. I would have loved to attend the supper market this evening. The band could have played smoke on the water