Air Quality
Due to the increasing frequency of poor air quality from forest fires, the AOA have developed a policy regarding orienteering during smoke incidents.
The policy is summerised as follows:
For Orienteering events ( C, B ,Canada cup)
- decisions related to air quality will be made at the event site, at the start time of the event.
- If possible AQI PM2.5 will be measured at the event site using portable monitors.
- Decision makers should also consider real time Air Quality data available at:
- If AQI PM 2.5 at the event site is greater then 200 the event will be modified to remove all competitive elements, or if air quality shows an improving trend the start may be delayed provided the event can be completed during daylight.
- If AQI PM 2.5 at the event site is greater than 300 the event will be cancelled, or if air quality shows an improving trend the start may be delayed provided the event can be completed during daylight.
- If, during an event, the AQI PM2.5 goes above 300, no further starts will be allowed. As well, any competitor observed, who is still on the course (e.g. passing through an arena), will be told to stop their race.
- Events may also be cancelled, or postponed if poor air quality prevents organizers from setting up the event. In this case, notification must be posted on all relevant websites as soon as possible.
- For Canada Cup events Cancellation or postponement decisions will be made by at least two of the following Major Officals: Event Director, Controller, Event Advisor, Jury Member, Course Planner.
- For Canada Cup events where participant may have travelled long distances to the event contingency plans may include some rescheduling, or possibly alternate venues for the event.
- For local B and C events, the air quality decisions will be made by 1 or preferably 2 of the event officials.
- When poor air quality conditions seem likely Local Event (C and B) organizers are encouraged to include possible rescheduling in their contingency planning.
For training events and youth programs the program director /coach can cancel the program at their discretion based on Health Canada recommendations.
Bear Safety Policy
The following map shows the locations of the events and the ranges of Grizzly and Black Bears.
The WCOC middle and long events are just inside the Black Bear range. You may wish to carry Bear spray for those events.
More information on Bear Spray and how to use it
General Safety Rules
1. Strictly observe all event specific rules, cautions and advice.
2. You must carry a whistle. The emergency signal is three blasts.
3. You must abandon your course if you hear a distress whistle and must help participants in need.
4. Always return to registration at the end of the event and sign out!
5. Stop immediately if you become injured. Running ‘through the pain’ will only make your injury worse. Return to the start area and seek medical treatment for all injuries.
6. If you’re lost or hurt stay still and blow the distress call (three whistle blows) until help arrives.
7. In case of an overdue person, the organizers will initiate a search. You can help by following the directions of the organizers.