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Lakelands Public Health Media Alert 
Yellow Heat and Yellow/Orange Air Quality Warning Issued for Region

July 15, 2026

Lakelands Public Health is urging residents of Haliburton, Kawartha, Peterborough and Northumberland to take precautions to protect against heat- and air quality-related illnesses. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued Heat and Air Quality Warnings for the region. When both heat and air quality warnings are in place, most people should prioritize keeping cool.

Most of the region is under a Yellow Air Quality Warning, while an Orange Air Quality Warning has been issued for Cobourg, Colborne, and Western Northumberland County. The Air Quality Health Index for the region over the next 24 hours ranges from moderate risk (6) to very high risk (10+). Residents are urged to monitor local conditions and take all necessary precautions. In addition, the entire region remains under a Yellow Heat Warning, which was issued on Monday, July 13th.

Both heat and poor air quality can impact the health of anyone, however, some populations may be more vulnerable to health impacts – including the elderly, people with certain medical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory), people who are pregnant, and children and infants. People who work or engage in strenuous activity outdoors, and people who are unhoused are also at increased risk. During the warning, it is important to be checking in on friends, family, and neighbours – especially those at higher risk.

Residents on private roads in the Chandos Lake area are advised that Waste Connections of Canada will be returning on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, to collect any garbage that was missed during the regular curbside collection on Monday, July 13, 2026.

If your garbage was not collected, please place it at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15 to ensure it can be picked up.

Regular curbside garbage collection for this area will resume on Monday, July 20, 2026.

The Township appreciates your patience and cooperation.

(July 13, 2026) – Lakelands Public Health is urging residents of the region to take precautions to protect against heat-related illnesses. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Yellow Heat Warning for the entire region of Haliburton, Kawartha, Northumberland and Peterborough counties, beginning on Monday, July 13 through Thursday, July 16.  

Currently daytime highs are forecasted to reach up to 37° C, with a humidex of 38 to 45. Overnight lows are expected to remain above 20-24°C, providing little relief from the heat. The heat event is expected to end Thursday, July 16.  

Heat-related illnesses include dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. These illnesses can be very dangerous, especially to those most vulnerable to health risks, including the elderly, some people with disabilities or chronic diseases, people who are pregnant, and children and infants. Risk can also be higher for people who work outdoors, people who are unhoused, and those who take medications that affect thermoregulation.