Title
10:30 a.m. Appointment - West Central Airshed Society
Yvonne Barker, Engagement Coordinator
Proposed Motion
That the West Central Airshed Society presentation be received for information, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration is supportive of the motion.
Purpose
West Central Airshed Society (WCAS) is seeking to provide Council with a general overview of its work in the County.
Summary
WCAS is a member-driven, multi-stakeholder, not-for-profit organization that collects and reports on ambient air quality data within west central Alberta. It also provides air quality awareness and supports multi-stakeholder dialogue to address local issues. It is funded by contributions from major emitters operating in the Airshed, other membership fees, and grants from the Government of Alberta. Membership consists of industry, municipal, nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders. It operates in west central Alberta, from the BC Border to the Wabamun Lake area. Eight other municipalities participate in WCAS in the region. While Parkland County has some levels of air quality monitoring, it does not have Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) level monitoring which is easily recognizable to the public and includes ground level ozone monitoring. The County issued some air quality communications on social media during the fire-related emergencies last spring using data from WCAS and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.
Historical Information:
Historically, Parkland County participated in both WCAS and Capital Region Airshed Society, however, membership was ceased in 2020 due to budget constraints.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
In the EMRB Climate Resilience Study (2023), ground level ozone (O3) and wildfire smoke were indicated as high risks to both "Health, Safety and Wellbeing" and the "Economy" in the Edmonton Metro Region.
Parkland County's Integrated Community Sustainability Plan includes and a goal for climate...
Click here for full text