Air Quality Monitors Up And Running In Courtenay

The City of Courtenay has installed multiple new air quality monitors across the city, with real-time readings available online for anyone interested in learning more about local air quality.

“Air quality in Courtenay has been a community health concern for many years,” said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells.

“The City’s new monitors are gathering important data, and we’re also excited to see residents participating in this effort. The online map shows several new monitors that have been installed on private property. Since air quality can vary greatly between neighbourhoods, all of these monitors help governments and health authorities get a better understanding of this issue so we can continue to work towards solutions."

The online map shows several new monitors that have been installed on private property. Wells says since air quality can vary between neighbourhoods, all of the monitors help government and health authorities get a better understanding of the issue.

Fine particulate matter (also known as PM2.5) is the greatest threat to air quality in the Comox Valley, as observed by the provincial air monitoring station in West Courtenay. Common sources include smoke from residential wood burning appliances, open burning and wildfires.

So far, the highest readings have been observed during winter evenings and overnight, when people are burning more for heat.

Jeanniene Tazzioli, Manager of Engineering, Environmental Projects, says as we transition into summer, the air quality monitors will be a valuable resource for anyone wondering about impacts to air quality from open burning and wildfire smoke.

The data collected is compiled by Environment and Climate Change Canada, and analyzed by the province to measure progress over time.

Real-time readings from all monitoring locations are available at Purple Air.

For more information about air quality and monitoring visit City of Courtenay.