BC Summer Games open in Kelowna despite smoke warning
BC Summer Games open in Kelowna amid wildfire smoke and air quality warnings See how organizers and athletes kept competition going as conditions improved
The 2026 BC Summer Games opened in Kelowna on Thursday night even as wildfire smoke triggered an air quality warning for the Central Okanagan.
Environment Canada had issued an orange warning because smoke could affect health, especially for people with heart or lung conditions. Organizers said they reviewed the conditions with forecasters and decided to move ahead with competition while continuing to monitor the air through the weekend.
By Friday, conditions had improved and outdoor events resumed. Athletes returned to competition, while some parents said they were still paying close attention to air quality and safety.