Alberta bans solar panels from landfills
Alberta’s government will not allow solar panels to pile up in landfills across the province. Beginning Oct. 1, Alberta will become the first province in Canada to operate a solar panel recycling program and is banning solar panels from landfill disposal. This will ensure they are directed toward reuse and recycling when they reach the end of their useful lives.
Alberta has the second-largest installed solar capacity in Canada, and that capacity continues to grow. By 2045, more than 95 per cent of the solar panels currently installed in Alberta are expected to reach the end of their lives, generating as much as 72,700 tonnes of material.
“Alberta has never been afraid to lead. We will not wait until mountains of dead solar panels are piling up in our landfills before acting. We are putting the system in place now to recover valuable materials, attract private investment and build a new recycling industry here in Alberta.”
Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
Solar panels contain valuable glass, aluminum, silicon, silver, copper and other metals. Instead of burying those resources, Alberta’s new system will recover them for use in new products, attract investment in collection and processing capacity, and help establish a new recycling industry here at home.
“Responsible solar energy growth means considering environmental responsibility throughout its lifecycle. By planning ahead to ensure expired panels are properly collected and materials are reused where possible, we’re protecting taxpayers from future cleanup costs and keeping power affordable and sustainable for generations to come.”
RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Affordability and Utilities
An environmental fee of $14 will apply to each new solar panel supplied in Alberta beginning Oct. 1. For a typical residential installation of 20 panels, the proposed fee would total $280, less than 1.5 per cent of the overall installation cost. This ensures Albertans buying these products – not taxpayers decades from now – fund responsible recycling.
“As Alberta’s renewable energy sector grows, recycling solar panels is the logical next step in building a stronger circular economy: maximizing resource use, reducing waste, and delivering long-term value for Albertans. We look forward to working with government and industry to support the successful implementation of this important initiative.”
Ed Gugenheimer, chief executive officer, Alberta Recycling Management Authority
The fee will ensure money is available to collect, transport and recycle panels when they reach the end of their lives, rather than leaving municipalities and taxpayers to pay the bill decades from now. It will only apply to new panels supplied after the program begins, with no retroactive fees on panels already installed.
“Sunset is pleased to see the Government of Alberta putting legislation and programming in place to support a circular economy for solar panels. These steps will save materials from ending up in our landfills and keep them in the Alberta and Canadian economies. The commitment to end-of-life management further enhances the sustainability of our industry and we are pleased to support this initiative.”
Dan Carrocci, president, Sunset Renewable Asset Management Inc.
The goal is not simply to manage waste. It is to turn tomorrow’s waste into feedstock for new products, new investment and new Alberta jobs.
Algoma Steel Inc. fined $1.2 million for federal environmental and wildlife offences related to a gear oil deposit into the St. Marys River, Ontario
A healthy environment supports wildlife, biodiversity, and the natural places Canadians value while contributing to sustainable economic development. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers support these outcomes by enforcing federal environmental and wildlife laws that prevent harm and help protect natural resources in Canada now and into the future.
On September 10, 2026, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma Steel Inc. was fined $1.2 million after pleading guilty to one count under subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act and one count under subsection 5.1(1) of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. The two offences relate to the deposit of a deleterious and/or harmful substance in water frequented by fish and in water or an area used by migratory birds. The fine will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund to support projects that have a positive impact on the environment.
This sentence follows an investigation by Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers into a gear oil tank overflow incident at the company’s Sault Ste. Marie facility between June 8 and 9, 2022. The incident resulted in the deposit of an estimated 1,000 to 1,250 litres of gear oil into the St. Marys River. Gear oil is considered a deleterious substance as defined by the Fisheries Act and is a substance harmful to migratory birds under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.
The Fisheries Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 contain important protections for aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and their habitats in Canada. Under these Acts, individuals and all companies in Canada must ensure their activities are managed in a manner that prevents unauthorized deposits of deleterious or harmful substances to the environment. They must also identify and manage environmental risks and respond accordingly when incidents occur.
As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. The Registry contains information on convictions of corporations registered for offences committed under certain federal environmental laws.
Investing in Canada’s next generation of meteorologists
As Canadians continue to experience more frequent and severe weather events, including extreme heat, wildfires, flooding, winter storms, and other climate-related hazards, the need for highly skilled meteorologists has never been greater. These experts play a critical role in monitoring weather conditions and issuing forecasts and weather alerts. Meteorologists help Canadians, communities, and emergency responders prepare for and respond to hazardous conditions.
To help strengthen Canada’s meteorological workforce, Environment and Climate Change Canada is investing in the next generation of experts. This fall, through the Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorology Awards, 20 students will receive scholarships totalling $130,000 to support their studies in meteorology and atmospheric sciences.
In partnership with Universities Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada will be awarding up to 80 scholarships over five years, with a total worth of $648,000, to students pursuing studies in meteorology and atmospheric sciences at post-secondary institutions across the country. Since the program was launched in 2024, 40 students have received scholarships totalling $268,000, with the first scholarships awarded in 2025. Building on this success, a new cohort of recipients has now been selected for the 2026–2027 academic year.
This year’s recipients include:
- Four students from the University of British Columbia – Vancouver, British Columbia
- Two students from the University of Manitoba – Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Three students from York University – Toronto, Ontario
- Six students from the Université du Québec à Montréal – Montréal, Quebec
- Five students from Dalhousie University – Halifax, Nova Scotia
The next application period will open in the winter of 2026–2027 for students enrolling in eligible Bachelor of Science, certificate, or diploma programs in meteorology and atmospheric sciences for fall 2027.
Quotes
“Canada needs a strong and highly skilled workforce to meet the growing challenges posed by extreme weather and a changing climate. By supporting students pursuing studies in meteorology and atmospheric science, we are helping develop the talent and expertise that will shape the future of weather forecasting and warning services across the country. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts this year’s recipients will make.”
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
“Growing up in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, I developed a passion for meteorology that I was able to combine with my interests in electronics and video production. This scholarship will allow me to dedicate more time to my studies in atmospheric sciences and support personal research projects that advance my understanding of weather forecasting.”
– Eddie Pelletier, Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorology Award recipient and Université du Québec à Montréal student
Government of Canada releases new climate report supporting climate resilience planning
The Government of Canada is releasing its five-year scientific report today to inform planning, resilience-building, and emergency preparedness in a changing climate.
Underscoring the importance of integrating climate change considerations into existing planning and decision-making processes across all sectors, Canada’s Changing Climate Report 2026 contributes to the implementation of the National Adaptation Strategy. The Government of Canada is conducting rigorous science and presenting it in accessible ways so everyone can benefit from this knowledge.
The federal government is committed to fighting climate change and reaching net-zero by 2050 by taking a pragmatic and durable approach. This includes building major clean energy projects across the country, driving mass electrification, and making significant investment in the low-carbon economy.
For example, in August the Prime Minister announced the largest clean energy investment in North American history, including expanding the Churchill Falls Generating Station. Just this week, the federal government announced the groundbreaking of the North Coast Transmission Line that will double the availability of clean electricity along Canada’s West Coast and reduce up to three million tonnes of emissions annually.
As the report points out, climate change is a global challenge. That is why this April’s Spring Economic Update set a new goal to deliver $13 billion in international climate finance over the next five years. This makes Canada one of the first countries to announce our climate finance pledge beyond 2026 and reinforces our role as a reliable and credible partner on climate action.
To protect Canadians from the impacts of climate change and severe weather, the federal government has committed more than $2.1 billion to implement the National Adaptation Strategy and support a wide range of adaptation-related activities. Budget 2025 introduced new community infrastructure and youth-focused initiatives that will further advance climate adaptation and resilience objectives across the country. In August, Minister Dabrusin announced support for 141 climate resilience projects in 128 communities across Canada.
The Government of Canada is moving with urgency fight climate change while working together to build the energy security, industrial capacity, and strategic autonomy that will define this century for Canada.
Quotes
“Our government is resolute in our commitment to fighting climate change and reaching net-zero by 2050. This is why we are making durable, structural changes to strengthen Canada’s economy through building clean and renewable power, mass electrification, clean technology, and greater energy efficiency in homes and businesses. We just announced the largest clean energy investment in North American history, and we are just getting started.”
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
Guelph receives $33.4M for wastewater upgrades to support housing growth
The federal government is providing more than $33.4 million for wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Guelph, Ontario, that will increase treatment capacity by 24% and help accommodate thousands of new homes.
The funding, announced August 11 through the federal Build Communities Strong Fund, will go toward a new tertiary treatment facility at Guelph’s Water Resource Recovery Centre and upgrades to a major trunk sewer.
The federal contribution represents 40% of eligible project costs, which are estimated at $83.7 million.
According to the City of Guelph, the improvements are expected to provide enough additional wastewater capacity to support nearly 4,400 new housing units across the city by 2031.
“Reliable wastewater infrastructure is essential to supporting a growing community,” said Tara Baker, chief administrative officer for the City of Guelph, in a statement. “With support from the Government of Canada, this project will deliver critical upgrades to Guelph’s tertiary treatment facilities, supporting the city’s long-term growth and environmental objectives.”
The new tertiary treatment facility will increase wastewater treatment capacity by 24% and replace the existing chlorination and dichlorination disinfection processes with ultraviolet light (UV) technology.
The city says UV disinfection will provide a more sustainable treatment process while maintaining standards for treated wastewater.
The project also involves expanding and upgrading the Waterloo Avenue trunk sewer. Work will extend from Silvercreek Parkway to the Water Resource Recovery Centre, crossing the Hanlon Expressway, as well as from Silvercreek Parkway to Edinburgh Road. The latter section will include a connection to the Wellington Street trunk sewer through Roland Street.
Larger pipes are expected to provide additional capacity for growth while improving the resilience of the wastewater collection system.
Construction of the new treatment facility is scheduled to begin in early September 2026, with the overall wastewater project expected to be completed by fall 2030.
“This investment helps Guelph plan responsibly for the future while protecting essential services residents rely on every day,” said Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie. “By securing federal funding for critical wastewater infrastructure, we can support housing growth, strengthen system resiliency and reduce pressure on municipal funding sources.”
Guelph MP Dominique O’Rourke announced the funding on behalf of federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson at the city’s Water Resource Recovery Centre, near the site of the future tertiary treatment facility.
O’Rourke said the upgrades will help prepare the city for growth while increasing the wastewater system’s resilience to climate change.
“As a former Guelph city councillor and former chair of the Infrastructure, Development and Environment committee, I know how vital today’s investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure in Guelph is to prepare our city for growth, enabling more housing and ensuring a more resilient wastewater system in the face of climate change,” O’Rourke said.
The city says the upgrades form part of a broader program of wastewater infrastructure investments intended to provide additional treatment capacity for future residential and business development.
Climate action and costs savings opportunities revealed from FortisBC retrofit pilot
The results from FortisBC’s Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot demonstrate an effective pathway to improving existing, occupied buildings by significantly lowering gas use, associated emissions and gas utility costs in buildings while remaining connected to the gas system.
FortisBC has completed the evaluation phase of its multi-year pilot and is sharing the results from the four participating buildings. Together, the completed upgrades across the four multi-unit residential buildings reduced gas use by approximately 50 to 65 per cent, lowered associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 50 to 60 per cent and delivered gas cost savings across the sites ranging from $8,000 to $27,000 over a one-year evaluation period.
“The results from our Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot are incredibly encouraging because they show how existing buildings can be modernized to better serve the people who live in them,” said Doug Slater, Vice President, Indigenous Relations and Regulatory Affairs at FortisBC. “By taking a whole-building approach, these projects significantly lowered gas use, associated emissions and operating costs while helping residents enjoy more comfortable homes and improve building performance. Energy efficiency remains one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to help customers lower their energy use and support provincial climate action goals.”
The results highlight a significant opportunity to take steps to help lower emissions in existing occupied buildings, and provide practical, real-world insights for communities, policymakers and building owners looking to reduce energy costs, improve resident comfort and lower associated emissions in support of provincial climate goals. FortisBC is now evaluating the performance data and insights from project participants and residents to determine how the results may inform a future deep energy retrofit program.
“Working together with FortisBC and other partners on projects like The Pendrellis retrofit provides valuable practical experience in improving existing buildings,” says Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “The City of Vancouver appreciates the opportunity to support this project and contribute to the work of upgrading existing housing while it remains occupied. At a time when affordability remains a top concern for Vancouver residents, finding practical ways to reduce energy costs and extend the life of existing affordable housing is more important than ever.”
With many of today’s buildings expected to remain in use by 2050, deep energy retrofits improve energy efficiency, provide greater comfort for building occupants and reduce energy costs so that they can continue to be used in the years to come. In 2019, FortisBC began piloting deep energy retrofits to determine if it was possible to reduce gas use and associated emissions by 50 per cent or more in existing occupied multi-unit residential buildings that remained connected to the gas system. The results show the value that retrofits can provide to help building owners make effective use of existing infrastructure and provide them with flexible energy options.
The four projects at The Pendrellis, Manor House, Forte and Viscount Villa took a whole-building approach with each building receiving a different combination of upgrades including building envelope improvements and high-efficiency gas and electricity mechanical systems to improve energy efficiency while tenants continued to live in their suites. The pilot was a collaborative effort across different organizations that advanced whole-building design, engineering and construction upgrades to significantly improve each building’s energy performance.
“Non-profit housing providers need practical pathways to upgrade existing buildings while balancing affordability, sustainability and resident well-being,” says Brian Jung, Director of Building Asset and Energy Management at BC Non-Profit Housing Association. “Working together on The Pendrellis project shows how deep energy retrofits can help non-profit societies stretch limited resources further, create more comfortable homes and significantly reduce gas use while remaining connected to the gas system.”
Feds introduce responsible data centre development standards
A new national framework commits data centres to protecting electricity ratepayers, limiting water use and delivering lasting benefits for Canadians.
Data centres are essential for cloud computing, streaming, AI, online services and businesses, but they can have significant environmental impacts.
– Energy consumption: Data centres use large amounts of electricity to power servers, networking equipment and cooling systems. Their environmental impact depends heavily on whether that electricity comes from renewable or fossil-fuel sources.
– Greenhouse-gas emissions: Electricity generated from coal or natural gas produces CO₂ emissions. Data centres can therefore contribute to climate change, particularly in regions where electricity grids have high carbon intensity. Emissions can also come from construction, backup generators and manufacturing servers.
– Water consumption: Many data centres use water-based cooling systems. In areas experiencing water stress, this can put pressure on local freshwater supplies. The indirect water footprint of electricity generation can also be substantial.
– Land and construction: Building large facilities requires land, concrete, steel and other materials. Construction can lead to habitat disruption, while producing materials such as cement and steel generates significant emissions.
– Electronic waste: Servers, storage equipment, batteries and networking hardware eventually become obsolete. If they aren’t reused or properly recycled, they contribute to electronic waste and the loss of valuable materials.
– Local pollution and noise: Backup diesel generators can produce air pollutants when operated, while cooling systems and other equipment can contribute to continuous noise around facilities.
– Pressure on electricity grids: Rapid growth in data-centre demand—particularly from AI and high-performance computing—can require new power-generation and transmission infrastructure. This can create additional environmental impacts.
The principles establish a common national framework for how Canada builds the data centre capacity it needs. The framework sets five clear expectations for data centre projects:
- Data centres must create lasting local benefits.
- Data centres must not shift electricity costs to Canadians.
- Data centres must minimize water use and environmental impacts.
- Data centres must be transparent about local impacts.
- Data centres must bring strategic value to Canada.
The principles are supported by a broad cross-section of Canada’s data centre, cloud, AI and technology sectors. Signatories’ commitments will help grow Canada’s digital infrastructure responsibly and promote a consistent, community-centred approach to data centre development across Canada.
Data centre development decisions are fundamentally local, shaped by regional priorities, regulatory approvals and unique community needs. These national principles are intended to complement existing provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous regulatory processes by setting a nationally recognized baseline that communities can use when considering major projects. Together, these principles will support responsible investment, give communities greater clarity and help Canada build the digital infrastructure it needs for the future.
List of signatories so far
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Anthropic
- Beacon Data Centers
- Bell Canada (BCE)
- BUZZ High Performance Computing (BUZZ HPC)
- Cohere
- Cologix
- Denvr Dataworks
- Equinix
- eStruxture
- Google
- Hypertec Group
- Meta
- Micrologic
- Microsoft
- OpenAI
- OVHcloud
- Prologis
- QScale
- Sovereign Digital Infrastructure
- TELUS
- ThinkOn
- Urbacon Data Centre Solutions
“Canada is building the digital infrastructure we need to lead in the age of AI, grow our economy and strengthen our sovereignty,” said Minister Solomon.
“But how we build matters. Data centres must protect ratepayers, respect water and energy resources, and create lasting benefits for the communities that host them. These principles set a clear national standard: If you build in Canada, you must build responsibly and transparently and you must build for Canadians.”
As demand for AI grows, municipalities are increasingly being asked to review complex data centre proposals that will have significant impacts on local communities,” said Tierney. “Today’s announcement is an important first step in helping municipalities better understand and assess projects being proposed in their regions. No two data centre projects are alike, nor will they have the same impact. Municipal leaders need clear and complete information to make informed decisions. FCM welcomes today’s commitment by industry leaders to work closely with local governments, mitigate local impacts and ensure local benefits.”
Powering Metro Vancouver’s first net-zero-emission school
École Snokomish Elementary shows how Power Smart 2.0 can help public buildings cut emissions
BC Hydro and the Province are supporting cleaner, more energy-efficient public infrastructure with the opening of École Snokomish Elementary, Metro Vancouver’s first all-electric, net-zero-emission school and BC Hydro’s latest Power Smart Champion.
“As Surrey continues to grow, École Snokomish Elementary proves that communities do not have to choose between building new infrastructure and advancing climate action,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Through its innovative design, this school shows how public buildings can lower emissions, improve comfort for occupants and support a more sustainable future for British Columbians.”
The school is an example of BC Hydro’s Power Smart 2.0 plan, which expands energy-efficiency and demand-side management programs to help people use less electricity, lower costs and reduce emissions as B.C.’s need for clean power grows.
By supporting an all-electric design that reduces the need for fossil fuels in heating, BC Hydro and the Province are helping Surrey Schools advance its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.
From early energy study to major emissions savings
With CleanBC funding from the Province and technical support from BC Hydro, Surrey Schools received more than $14,000 for an energy study that identified the most effective path to an all-electric building. The study helped inform a heat-pump-based HVAC system that provides efficient, low-carbon heating and cooling while helping manage costs.
The finalized design reduced the school’s greenhouse gas emissions to fewer than five tonnes annually, compared with approximately 77 tonnes for a typical Surrey elementary school. Over 15 years, the design is expected to reduce emissions by 89% and avoid an estimated 961 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Surrey Schools is proud to be home to BC Hydro’s latest Power Smart Champion,” said Gary Tymoschuk, chair, Surrey Board of Education. “Ecole Snokomish Elementary is a thoughtfully designed and inclusive place, informed by the Indigenous history, knowledge and relationships to the land where we gather today and rooted in the First Peoples Principles of Learning.”
École Snokomish is a Power Smart Champion
École Snokomish Elementary is BC Hydro’s latest Power Smart Champion, an award that celebrates B.C. residents, businesses, municipalities, Indigenous and community groups taking action to lower their carbon footprint and adopt clean-energy technologies. The recognition reflects Surrey Schools’ commitment to efficiency, electrification and practical climate action in public infrastructure.
“École Snokomish Elementary shows the value of investing in energy performance early in the design process,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “It is Metro Vancouver’s first all-electric school and a powerful example of how Power Smart 2.0 is helping customers reduce emissions, improve efficiency and make cleaner energy choices.”
Power Smart 2.0 is BC Hydro’s updated plan to meet growing demand through conservation, energy efficiency and peak reduction. It is expected to deliver 800 megawatts of capacity savings and 2,200 gigawatt hours of energy savings over three years, enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes.
Health advisory issued due to smoke from Ecco Recycling landfill fire
The Calgary Fire Department issued a health advisory on Friday in connection with smoke coming from an ongoing fire at the Ecco Recycling landfill in southeast Calgary.
In it, the CFD cautioned residents living in the city’s southeast downwind of the fire to “take precautions” as smoke conditions have worsened.
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AB-EPA) has been monitoring air quality near the fire since Sept. 9.
On Thursday, they found no hourly average readings that registered above Alberta’s ambient air quality guidelines.
Despite this, the fire department says those who live directly downwind of the fire may “experience smoke and related health effects.”
The greatest potential for smoke exposure is in the communities of Douglasdale, Quarry Park, East Shepard, McKenzie Towne, New Brighton, Copperfield and other neighbouring communities.
“Vulnerable groups such as children, youth, seniors, pregnant women, and those with asthma, heart disease or other underlying health conditions should limit outdoor activities and move indoors if they see or smell smoke,” the fire department said.
“Residents with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should monitor their symptoms, continue taking prescribed medications and follow the advice provided by their healthcare professionals.”
Symptoms may include eye, nose and throat irritation, increased mucus production, coughing or headaches.
The Calgary Fire Department recommends the following:
- keep windows and doors closed, including attached garage doors;
- reduce physical activity indoors and outdoors;
- turn furnace thermostats down;
- avoid using ventilation systems or whole-house fans that ring outdoor air into the house;
- keep air conditioner fresh-air intakes closed and filters clean;
- close fireplace dampers on wood-burning fireplaces; and
- use a high-quality air filter or air cleaner/purifier.
Exposure varies based on distance from the fire, wind direction and speed, time spent outdoors and proximity to visible smoke or odours.
Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to contact Health Link at 811, or 911 to seek immediate medical attention.
Ecco responds
Late Friday afternoon, Ecco Recycling sent CTV News the following statement from president and CEO Alec McDougall:
“We want to begin by reassuring residents in the surrounding communities that the fire at ECCO’s former landfill remains contained, although it has proven stubborn.
It is important for people to understand what is burning. The former landfill contains no household garbage, kitchen waste or other organic material. It accepted only dry construction and demolition material, such as lumber, drywall and other construction debris. The site has not accepted any new material since 2024.
“ECCO is working to cap and close the former landfill in accordance with applicable requirements. ECCO understands that smoke can be concerning and that even when air-quality readings are within applicable guidelines, smoke and odour can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and other temporary symptoms. We take those concerns seriously and encourage residents to follow the advice of Calgary Fire Department and health authorities.
“ECCO continues to work closely with the Calgary Fire Department and remains on site 24 hours a day to provide whatever assistance and site support is required. We are grateful for the firefighters who continue to work around the clock.
We also want to thank residents in Douglasdale, Quarry Park, East Shepard, McKenzie Towne, New Brighton, Copperfield and other surrounding communities for their patience and understanding. We recognize the disruption that smoke can cause and appreciate the concerns being expressed by people who live nearby.”
Ecco also said it has asked that the fire be investigated as a possible act of arson. It said it has received no information about how it started and will co-operate fully with an investigation.
It also clarified that the location where the fire is burning has not accepted any new material since 2024. There’s a second area called a Material Recovery Facility that does accept new material.
AHS statement
Alberta Health Services also sent CTV News a statement that says, in part, “Alberta Health Services (AHS) Environmental Public Health (EPH) is aware of concerns related to smoke from the fire from the ECCO Recycling landfill.
“AHS-EPH continues to work alongside the City of Calgary and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas in response to the incident, providing public health expertise and helping interpret available air quality data to assess potential health impacts.
“Air quality monitoring has detected elevated levels of very small particles called PM (fine particulate matter), with some concentrations exceeding Alberta’s hourly air quality guideline. At times, conditions close to the fire have been equivalent to the high risk category on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).
“People living or spending time in areas downward of a of the area may be exposed to higher concentrations of these particles.
“However, air quality can change significantly over short distances due to wind patterns, terrain, and local conditions; therefore, monitoring results may not reflect individual exposures at all locations.”
