Air quality: La Ronde, Canada Day fireworks cancelled, Montreal halts outdoor sports

Montreal amusement park La Ronde has cancelled its Thursday night fireworks show following a recommendation from public health, while Canada Day organizers made a similar move in "solidarity" with those affected by wildfires. 

The show at La Ronde, the first round of L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, was called off because of air quality concerns, according to the park.

"The health of Montrealers and Quebecers is everyone's priority," it wrote in a Wednesday night press release. 

It also said postponing the event was impossible, due to "logistics involving other stakeholders who ensure safety on our site, on the riverbanks or on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge."

• READ MORE: Schedule for this year's international fireworks festival

Earlier on Wednesday, Environment Canada issued yet another smog warning as smoke from forest fires in northern Quebec blanket large portions of the province. 

"People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant women, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by smoke," read the warning from the federal agency. 

"Stop or reduce your activity if breathing becomes uncomfortable or if you or someone in your care feels unwell," it continued.

It's the latest in a series of health warnings due to persistent fires in Quebec. This particular mass of smoke is expected to last into Thursday, though the agency says it won't be as intense as what Montrealers experienced on Sunday, when the city held the title for worst air quality in the world. 

"The next pyromusical show on July 6, presented by Ukraine, the first country of this 37th international competition, is maintained until further notice," wrote La Ronde in its release, adding the park itself will still be open to visitors from 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

La Ronde President Sophie Emond and public health official Dr. David Kaiser are expected to speak at a joint press conference late Thursday morning. 

CANADA DAY SHOW CANCELLED IN 'SOLIDARITY'

The organizer of Montreal's Canada Day fireworks announced that show would also be cancelled on Saturday, but for a different reason.

Stephane Guertin of Tandem communication, which represents the organizer of the event, said it decided to cancel the display out of "solidarity" with those affected by fires in northern Quebec.

He also said they didn't want to put more pollutant in the air, referring to the poor air quality in Montreal from wildfire smoke.

CHECK BEFORE HEADING OUT: MONTREAL HALTS OUTDOOR SPORTS

Outdoor sports facilities and activities have been shut and cancelled by The City of Montreal. 

The city wrote to social media the move was "in line with public health recommendations."

It encouraged people to check in with their local sports facilities before leaving the house, as the situation "may change by the day."

A calendar of outdoor activities can be found on the city's website. 

-- Published with files from The Canadian Press