YMCA Camp Chippewa Closed Thursday, July 16

YMCA Camp Chippewa at Christie Lake Conservation Area is closed today, Thursday, July 16, due to air quality conditions. This closure also includes Extended Care programs serving Camp Chippewa campers.

Yesterday evening, we communicated that camp would remain open based on the Environment Canada forecast available at that time. Since then, conditions have not improved. The Air Quality Health Index remains at 10+ (Very High Risk) this morning, with no certainty as to when it will decrease to the forecasted level.

Because Camp Chippewa is an outdoor camp with no indoor program space, and out of an abundance of caution, we have made the difficult decision to close camp for the day. While we know this is disappointing and creates challenges for families, the health and safety of our campers and staff remains our top priority.

All families registered for Thursday, July 16 will receive a refund for today's missed camp day. Additional information about the refund process will be shared directly with affected families.

The decision to close camp was made at 6 a.m. using the latest available air quality information to provide families with as much notice as possible before camp begins at 7 a.m. for before care and to notify our bus transportation provider.

Based on the current Environment Canada forecast, we anticipate Camp Chippewa will operate as scheduled on Friday, July 17. Should environmental conditions not improve and another closure become necessary, we will communicate directly with families. If you do not hear from us, camp will operate as scheduled.

We recognize that emergency situations like this can be difficult for families to plan around, and we sincerely apologize for the short notice. We appreciate your understanding, flexibility and cooperation as we respond to changing conditions and make decisions based on the latest Environment Canada guidance.

Please note: This closure applies only to YMCA Camp Chippewa. All other YMCA Summer Day Camp locations, child care centres, and Kinder Connections programs remain open and are operating with modified programming to reduce outdoor exposure in response to current air quality conditions.

If you have questions, please contact the YMCA Day Camp Office at ymcadaycamps@ymcahbb.ca or 905-317-4929.