The CFL and the Saskatchewan Roughriders were keeping an eye on smoky air ahead of the Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sunday at Mosaic Stadium, but the game still started on time.
Earlier on Sunday, the Roughriders posted on X — formerly know as Twitter — that the organization, the Blue Bombers, the league and the players' association were "continuously monitoring the air quality at Mosaic Stadium throughout the afternoon using in-stadium instruments." "With the help of strong south winds, levels have been steadily declining throughout the afternoon and currently sit well below the acceptable level to play football." The game kicked off as scheduled — with the Riders recovering an onside kick to get things started.
Guess we’ll start with it! <a href="https://t.co/7MmejZwMhQ">pic.twitter.com/7MmejZwMhQ</a> An Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) special air quality statement is in effect for the City of Regina as a plume of wildfire smoke continues to affect most of southern and central Saskatchewan.
At 4 p.m. CST Sunday, Environment and Climate Change Canada had Regina's air quality health index (AQHI) at a level 8 — which is considered to be high risk.