Image Credit: FILE PHOTO
August 24, 2018 - 2:03 PM
KAMLOOPS - Heavy smoke has moved its way into the city prompting organizations to cancel a flurry of weekend events.
The current air quality index rating for Kamloops sits at 10-plus, or very high risk. Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for the South Thompson today, Aug. 24 and also advises people to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, young children and elderly individuals.
A home game for the Kamloops Broncos versus the Valley Huskers, originally scheduled for tomorrow evening, Aug. 24, has since been moved to Chilliwack.
The B.C. Football Conference says in a press release the poor air quality in Kamloops has forced the organization to move the game.
A movie night fundraiser at Riverside Park put on by the Canadian Mental Health Association branch in Kamloops has also been cancelled.
"This (event) is geared towards families with potentially many young children and their grandparents so we decided to cancel the event," Shelley Trudeau with the Canadian Mental Health Association says.
The Moonlight Movie Night was a fundraiser that could have raised up to $5,000 for community education, Trudeau says.
"It's very disappointing," she says, adding that no decision has been made on rescheduling.
The city has reopened the Tournament Capital Centre Fieldhouse to offer a place for people to stay active despite the smoky conditions.
"We understand the impact these smoky conditions have on the community," the city's parks and civic facilities manager Jeff Putnam says in a media release.
The indoor track, three hardwood courts, EZline equipment, and Wellness Centre will be available Saturday, Aug. 25
"While the modified opening has been of some help this past week, we are happy to be able to fully open tomorrow to provide people with a place to get out of the smoke and stay active," he says.
However, the Canadian Games Aquatic Centre will remain closed until Sept. 4 due to the pool undergoing necessary maintenance, the city says. Swimmers are encouraged to visit he Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre which is open daily.
Updated or extended hours for the city's pools can be found here, and rates for the Tournament Capital Centre facility can be found here.
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