Downtown Summerfest will carry on as planned, despite smoky conditions and poor air quality in the city, a statement issued by Downtown Prince George on Friday afternoon said.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday at Veteran’s Plaza at city hall.
“We understand that the Air Quality Index forecast for Saturday is considered moderate – which is an improvement from the last few days,” the statement said. “We understand that some of our participants and attendees may choose not to attend due to the conditions. For those that decide to join the festivities, we recommend that everyone be mindful of how the smoke might affect your personal health situations.”
The event will feature an outdoor food court, local and regional vendors and more.
“Celebrate the talents of artists and entrepreneurs all in one place,” the statement said. “And don’t forget that our downtown merchants are always excited to invite you to enjoy a unique shopping experience at over 70 retail establishments.”
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality advisory for Prince George.
“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke,” the advisory says. “People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.”
As of Friday at 2 p.m., the 24-hour average of fine particulate (PM 10) reported at the Plaza 400 air quality monitoring station downtown was 228 micrograms per cubic metre of air, more than four times the provincial air quality objective of 50 micrograms. The 24-hour average of ultra-fine particulate (PM 2.5) was at 189 micrograms per cubic metre, more than seven times the provincial air quality objective of 25 micrograms.
