Some May long weekend events in Edmonton get smoked out by fires

Thick smoke from wildfires burning across Alberta forced the cancellation of a number of outdoor activities in Edmonton that traditionally mark the beginning of the May long weekend.

The City of Edmonton had planned to open the Fred Broadstock outdoor pool on Saturday morning with a ceremony that was to include Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, but cancelled the event due to air-quality concerns.

Opening day at historically themed Fort Edmonton Park was also called off due to poor air quality.

“It’s very disappointing, but I totally understand,” said Candice Mason of the park’s closure. “We were wondering if it would be closed or opened.”

“It’s understandable,” said Renee Barber, who was also planning to go to Fort Edmonton Saturday. “We understand. There’s some that were even close to Devon, so not that far. It’s just down the river. So if you think about it, it’s more for our safety than anything.”

The Fort Edmonton Park opening was moved to Sunday, pending the air quality situation.

“All of our hopes cast out there to be able to open the gates tomorrow as well as Monday so people can exchange their tickets for those days as well as future days into the season,” said Renee Williams, the park’s senior vice-president.

Fort Edmonton Park fully re-opened in 2022 after being closed due to COVID-19. The park says it’s disappointing they aren’t able to open yet but are ready when the smoke clears.

“All kinds of disappointment,” said Williams. “We really wanted to be able to open this this experience today (Saturday), have guests come through, see the smiling faces. Our staff are just saddened by this, but we also know that this is the right decision and the right call.”

Health Canada’s air quality index was at its highest (10+) for Edmonton Saturday. Cooler temperatures, humidity and some rain in the forecast could give fire crews some respite in the days ahead.

“Hopefully it clears out and we get rain. Fingers crossed,” said Barber.

RELATED: Smoke and heat expected for Edmonton over long weekend

On Friday, provincial wildfire officials advised Albertans to consider postponing their long weekend plans as nearly 100 wildfires continue to burn throughout the province.

A number of large wildfires in northern Alberta saw growth on Friday due to hot and dry conditions, including a fire near Chipewyan Lake in the Fort McMurray forest area and the Kimiwan Complex Wildfire which threatens the Peavine Metis Settlement in the Peace River forest area.

However, fire officials say work continues in the community of Fox Lake to create safe conditions to allow for re-entry of evacuated residents, beginning with temporary access and escorted community visits.