Abstract
Air quality (AQ) is a relative measure of our ambient air that is a reflection of how much pollution is emitted into the atmosphere versus how quickly the atmosphere can absorb and disperse those emissions. Edmonton has 4 Ambient Air Quality monitoring stations. These data indicate that Edmonton’s AQ is considered good over 90% of the time and that poor AQ is often a result of forest fires or temperature inversions. Fine particulates and ground level ozone (PM&O3) are two common urban pollutants that are components of smog and have a negative impact on human and ecosystem health. Following the ‘keeping clean areas clean’ principal, PM&O3 management frameworks are being developed to manage these emissions, and Edmonton has a key role to play.
Within this context, the City of Edmonton is implementing an ambitious strategic plan that integrates municipal development and transportation master plans in a bid to create a modal shift from cars to transit. Supporting this work are several policy initiatives and projects such as an anti‐idling by‐law and the LRT expansion. Recommendations include the development of an enhanced citizen based monitoring network, coupled with continued work on currently active policy initiatives, strategic plans and projects.
About Matthew Dance
Matthew Dance, a Director with the Tomorrow Foundation, is currently completing a Masters of Arts at the University of Alberta. His thesis is focused on how people understand location and express that understanding with emerging web‐based tools. As part of his research, he is building an application that combines mapping, social networks and collaboration elements that will enable the citizens of Edmonton to discuss on‐line their use of Edmonton’s River Valley trail network. Prior to starting graduate school he worked as an independent consultant primarily with Alberta Environment helping to develop environmental policy. He filled project management, facilitation, research and strategic advice roles on several policy projects. In addition, he worked as a Senior Project Manager developing air quality policy for Edmonton’s Clean Air Strategic Alliance.
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Edmonton’s Ambient Air Quality
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Thanks for the paper, Matthew. Very provocative points and good link to the other major plans of the City. Interested to see how it fits with your geospacial/opendata work.