Recreational Camp Providers

As outlined in section 10 of Ontario Regulation 503/17: Recreational Camps, all operators of recreational overnight camps are required to:

1. Notify Public Health 30 days in advance of operating each season. You can do that by completing the online notification form.
2. Submit a camp safety plan to phi.intake@wdgpublichealth.ca prior to opening inspection. 

In addition to reviewing Ontario Regulation 503/17, operators are advised to review the resource below when developing a camp safety plan and any associated policies and procedures.

• Guidance for Developing a Camp Safety Plan (April 2025)

Weather, Air Quality and Wildfire Smoke 

Camp operators should have plans and protocols in place for various weather warnings. This applies not only to severe storms, but also for heat warnings and air quality advisories, including warnings related to wildfire smoke conditions.  

Be prepared and know the forecast: 

• Download the WeatherCAN app to get local warnings issued by Environment Canada, including: 
  • Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) notifications. *Note that you must add AQHI notifications under your app settings.  
• Check Environment Canada’s map for current alerts  

What is the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)? 

The Air Quality Health Index or “AQHI” is a scale from 1 to 10 designed to help you understand what the air quality around you means to your health. The higher the number, the greater the health risk. 

• Be familiar with the health messages for different AQHI readings 
• If AQHI readings are not available for your location, choose the closest city with AQHI readings and add that city to your WeatherCAN app. Don’t forget to add AQHI notifications under the app’s settings. 

Precautions to take during wildfire smoke conditions 

• Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health 
• Wildfire smoke 101: Wildfire smoke and your health 

Other Resources for Camps

• Recreational water
• Food safety
• Drinking water systems
• Health Canada - Protecting children from extreme heat
• Extreme Heat
• Outdoor air quality

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Putting on and taking off PPE 
• How to put on PPE Poster  
• How to Remove PPE Poster 

General Cleaning and Disinfection

• Health Canada - Hard surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers

Posters and Signs

• Handwashing Posters:
  • Staff 
  • Child