Is SE Calgary's Air Quality Falling Short?

Ambient air quality in Southeast Calgary is under the microscope, with concerns focusing on particulate matter from busy transportation routes and industrial activity. While current data frequently reports "Good" or "Low Risk" Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) levels in the area, the sources of these microscopic particles, including traffic, rail, industrial uses, and even home heating, are ever-present.

These tiny particles, known as PM2.5 and PM10, are a real health concern for Calgarians. They can irritate lungs and airways, worsen chronic conditions like asthma and heart disease, and lead to symptoms from coughing to shortness of breath. Vulnerable populations, including seniors, children, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, are particularly at risk. Calgary has experienced increasingly smoky summers due to wildfires, highlighting the impact of air quality on daily life and the importance of monitoring beyond typical industrial emissions.

Alberta maintains a comprehensive network of approximately 110 air quality monitoring stations, including one in Calgary Southeast, to track these levels. Industrial emissions fall under provincial regulation, with a 24-7 response line available for concerns.

Locally, The City of Calgary is actively addressing air quality through its Air Quality Management Plan, developed in collaboration with the Calgary Region Airshed Zone. The City’s Climate Strategy – Pathways to 2050, approved on July 5, 2022, also integrates an "Air Quality in Calgary" component, driving efforts towards net-zero emissions and climate resilience. Provincially, "Clearing the Air: Alberta's Renewed Clean Air Strategy," launched in 2012, further guides the broader air quality management system. As Calgary continues its rapid urban development, robust strategies are crucial to ensure clean air for everyone's long-term health and well-being.