Item - 2024.HL14.2

The Board of Health:

1. Received the report (June 21, 2024) from the Medical Officer of Health for information.

The Deputy Medical Officer of Health and the Associate Medical Officer of Health gave a presentation on Toronto Public Health’s Wildfire Smoke Response Strategy.

Due to climate change, wildfires have become an increasingly significant concern worldwide, impacting ecosystems, communities, and public health. The effects of wildfires extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire, as wildfire smoke can travel long distances, impacting air quality in distant regions. 

In June 2023, Toronto experienced the impacts of wildfire smoke on its air quality for the first time, posing health risks, especially to vulnerable populations disproportionately impacted by poor air quality. In response, Toronto Public Health developed an initial Wildfire Smoke Response Strategy, designed as an iterative document to be reviewed and updated as the wildfire situations in Canada evolve.

This report outlines Toronto Public Health's 2023 Wildfire Smoke Response Strategy, and the changes made for the 2024 wildfire season. The 2024 update incorporates the Ontario Ministry of Health's first Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality Reference Document, released in spring 2024. Developed in collaboration with subject matter experts from Toronto Public Health, organizations across the province, and guidance from Environment and Climate Change Canada, it also integrates lessons learned from the 2023 season and best practices from other regions with more wildfire experience.

For the 2024 season, the City will introduce the Cleaner Air Spaces Network, providing safe spaces for people during smoke events who face barriers accessing clean air or who lack air filtration systems at home. Cleaner Air Spaces Network locations include Toronto Civic Centres (Scarborough, East York, York, and North York), Metro Hall, and City Hall. These locations will operate as cleaner air spaces during their regular operating hours, welcoming residents in need of respite from the smoke.