Air Quality Needs Assessment & Gap Analysis in the Sea to Sky Airshed Summary of Findings March 10, 2019 - Sea to Sky ...
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Air Quality Needs Assessment & Gap Analysis in the Sea to Sky
Airshed
Summary of Findings
March 10, 2019
1Table of Contents
1. Project Purpose ......................................................................................................3
2. Interview Questions and Contact List...................................................................4
3. Interview Results ....................................................................................................4
3a. From the perspective of your local area, what are the current air quality related
priorities in the Sea to Sky airshed? ....................................................................................... 5
3b. What air quality activities is your local government currently leading or is aware of
through the work of others? .................................................................................................. 8
3c. What are the potential role(s) that the Sea to Sky Clean Air Society could play in
alignment with these priorities and activities? .................................................................... 11
4. Recommendations................................................................................................14
Appendix A – Summary of Interviewees ....................................................................16
Appendix B - Cover Note.............................................................................................17
Appendix C - Briefing Note .........................................................................................18
21. Project Purpose
The purpose of this Project is to assist the Sea to Sky Clean Air Society (SSCAS) to
better understand the needs and priorities of local and regional governments in the Sea-
to-Sky Airshed (see Figure 1), in order to better align its strategic direction and
activities. To fulfil this purpose, SSCAS commissioned, with its own resources along
with the support of the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, the
Fraser Basin Council (FBC), an independent third party (see Appendix C), to undertake
a series of interviews with local and regional governments in the Airshed. Specifically,
these interviews captured and documented the perspectives of local and regional
governments within the Airshed with respect to:
i) Their priorities and needs related to air quality; and
ii) Their awareness and, as applicable, perspectives on past work, current context
and potential future potential and role(s) of the Sea-to-Sky Clean Air Society
(SSCAS) to address these priorities and needs.
This report presents the results of the interviews and provides recommendations to
SSCAS and its current and prospective partners for their consideration.
Figure 1. Map of the Sea to Sky Airshed1.
1
BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. (2002). ‘Framework for Air Quality Management Planning.’
Prepared by Myriam Bloemhard. Appendix A. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-
water/air/reports-pub/sea_sky_airshed.pdf
32. Interview Questions and Contact List
FBC developed the following interview questions for local and regional government staff
and elected officials:
a. From the perspective of your local area, what are the current air quality related
priorities in the Sea to Sky airshed?
b. What air quality activities is your local government currently leading or is aware
of through the work of others?
a. What potential role(s) can the Sea to Sky Clean Air Society play in alignment
with these priorities and activities?
With the assistance of the SSCAS Board, a contact list was created for the interviews.
(see Appendix A for a summary of interviewees). Local governments to be interviewed
were:
• District of West Vancouver
• Islands Trust
• Bowen Island Municipality
• Village of Lions Bay
• District of Squamish
• Resort Municipality of Whistler
• Village of Pemberton
• Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
• Metro Vancouver
• Town of Gibsons
Interviews were conducted in January and February, 2019 (see cover note and briefing
note in Appendices B and C). Interviews were approximately 45 minutes in length and
were conducted by telephone. A total of 10 individuals were interviewed including 7
municipal and regional government staff and 3 elected officials (as recommended by
local government staff interviewees).
3. Interview Results
Interviews yielded the following overarching observations:
• Not all interviewees were aware of SSCAS and its past work
• Air quality was generally not considered to be the highest priority for action or
was viewed as the responsibility of other jurisdictions
• Climate change mitigation (greenhouse gas emissions reductions) emerged as a
high priority among many interviewed
4• While there were differences among the perspectives of those interviewed
regarding air quality issues and awareness of air quality initiatives, common
themes did emerge in terms of potential future roles of SSCAS (summarized
below)
Detailed responses organized under each question were as follows:
3a. From the perspective of your local area, what are the current air quality related
priorities in the Sea to Sky airshed?
Air quality issues and priorities varied among those interviewed. Although not typically
classified as an air quality issue per se, many interviewees cited reducing Greenhouse
Gas (GHG) emissions as a key priority, particularly through improving public and other
modes of transportation. Other priorities mentioned included reducing particulate matter
(PM2.5) emissions caused by human activities such as residential heating via
woodstoves and open burning, and addressing industrial sources of emissions from the
Howe Sound Pulp and Paper Ltd. mill (Total Reduced Sulphur odours) and BURNO
Aggregate Mine (dust, PM10).
Specific responses by organization were as follows:
District of West Vancouver
The District noted they do not have the staff resources to address air quality issues and
further noted that air quality activities in their part of the airshed are being led by Metro
Vancouver.
District of Squamish
Staff interviewed referred to Squamish’s Official Community Plan which notes the
following priorities under its Objectives and Policies2:
• Particulate Matter (PM2.5) emissions – from sources such as transportation,
industry, building heating and other human created sources;
• Idling – the District aims to promote anti-idling initiatives, education and
enforcement through Squamish’s Anti-Idling Policy (D02F-01) and Anti-Idling
Bylaw to reduce both corporate and community vehicle emissions;
• Open Burning – open burning is prohibited via Fire Service Bylaw No 2314,
2014.
• Partnerships – to partner with the neighbouring communities and the Sea to Sky
Clean Air Society where capacity and resources allow.
In addition to these objectives and policies, staff noted that the District has passed the
following as part of its “Clean Air Initiative”:
2
District of Squamish. (2017). #Squamish 2040, Official Community Plan. ’10.17 Objectives, 10.18 Policies’. P. 49-
50
5• Required permits for campfires; and,
The requirement for property owners to apply for a Wood Burning Appliance
Permit.
Town of Gibsons
Staff noted two air quality related priorities – to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(GHGs) through the implementation of their Sunshine Coast Energy and Emissions
Plan3 and to collect air quality data to determine the effectiveness of their bylaws
banning open and backyard burning in reducing particulate matter (PM2.5).
Other air quality issues staff noted were:
• Odour (Total Reduced Sulphur) – odours are more pronounced when the Howe
Sound Pulp and Paper mill is in production;
• Dust (PM10) - from the BURNCO Aggregate Mine;
• Forest Fires – this makes it hard for the Town of Gibsons to determine the
effectiveness of their open burning bylaw.
Staff have been keeping a log of air quality complaints when they occur. These
complaints are forwarded to the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
Strategy.
Metro Vancouver
Staff noted that Bowen Island Municipality, Village of Lions Bay and District of West
Vancouver are member communities in Metro Vancouver that lie within the Sea to Sky
Airshed. These communities cited a range of air quality challenges, some in common
and others specific to a community. Lions Bay noted its challenges with emissions from
wood burning activities and transportation emissions given its proximity to Highway 99.
Bowen Island’s emissions are largely from wood burning stoves which is a common
challenge throughout the broader region. According to Metro Vancouver’s data, 25-
30% of PM2.5 emissions are from residential wood burning and that the largest source
of air contaminants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) are from
‘smog-producing’ vehicles. To reduce PM2.5 from residential wood burning, Metro
Vancouver is currently proposing a regional bylaw to reduce wood smoke emissions
from wood stoves. They are engaging the public for input on the bylaw until March 23,
20194.
3
Town of Gibsons. (2010). ‘Sunshine Coast Energy and Emissions Plan.’ P. 61-66 https://gibsons.ca/wp-
content/uploads/2018/01/Sunshine-Coast-Community-Energy-and-Emissions-Plan.pdf
4
Metro Vancouver. (2019). ‘Managing Residential Wood Smoke Emissions – Public Consultation.’ Metro
Vancouver website. http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality/consultation/reducing-residential-
woodsmoke/Pages/default.aspx
6Village of Lions Bay
Metro Vancouver staff noted a specialized air quality monitoring study conducted in the
Village of Lions Bay between December 2015 and March 2016. The results indicated
that air quality did not exceed any of Metro Vancouver’s air quality objectives and that
elevated levels of PM2.5 occurred sporadically and in short intervals during the study
period. The report also concluded that air quality in Lions Bay was impacted by traffic
emissions and smoke from residential wood burning5. This was reinforced by the Lions
Bay Councillor interviewed who noted that wood burning and highway emissions are still
the top air quality issues although concerns among residents are mixed.
Resort Municipality of Whistler
Staff noted that the primary area of focus for Whistler is the reduction of Greenhouse
Gas Emissions (GHGs) from point and non-point sources through the 150 actions within
their Community Energy and Climate Action Plan6. This includes improving local
transportation options such as buses, supporting a regional transportation system and
tracking energy use and GHG emissions. Staff also noted that Whistler’s Official
Community Plan states that air quality is to be protected and meet Provincial standards
by taking action on human created emissions sources (transportation, industry, building
heating), partner with Sea to Sky corridor communities, provincial agencies and others
in planning and implementing the Sea to Sky Air Quality Management Plan and provide
regular monitoring on air quality7.
Islands Trust
Staff at the Islands Trust forwarded the request for interviews to their Executive
Committee which subsequently forwarded the correspondence to Bowen Island
Municipality and Gambier Local Trust Committee for action8. A staff person and
Councillor from Bowen Island as well as a Trustee from Gambier Island followed up with
FBC for an interview (see below).
Bowen Island Municipality
Both the staff member and Councillor interviewed noted that Bowen Island’s main
priority is reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs) through the implementation of
5
Metro Vancouver. (2016). ‘Lions Bay Air Quality Monitoring Study.’
https://www.lionsbay.ca/sites/2/files/docs/community/Air_Quality/volb_mamu_2016.pdf
6
Resort Municipality of Whistler. (2016). “Community Energy and Climate Action Plan.” July 2016.
https://www.whistler.ca/sites/default/files/related/cecap.0_final.pdf
7
Resort Municipality of Whistler. (2018). ‘Natural Environment.’ Renewing Whistler’s Vision and OCP.
https://www.whistler.ca/ocp/natural-environment
8
Email from Lori Foster, Executive Coordinator for Islands Trust on February 5, 2019.
7their Community Energy and Emissions Plan9 and Transportation Plan10. Particulate
matter emissions (PM2.5) from residential wood stoves and open burning were also
noted as air quality priorities.
Gambier Island
The Trustee for Gambier Island noted that the major air quality issues in the community
were particulate matter (PM2.5) from residential wood heating and open burning.
Reducing wood burning is a particular challenge on the Island since there are few
alternatives for heat generation (e.g. no natural gas line, no electricity). Residents on
the western side of the Island have also reported odour from the Howe Sound Pulp and
Paper Mill in Port Mellon.
3b. What air quality activities is your local government currently leading or is aware of
through the work of others?
All local government interviewees mentioned projects that aimed to reduce emissions
caused by transportation (GHGs) and wood burning (PM2.5) as well as some
monitoring and reporting projects.
District of Squamish
Staff noted that their priority air quality activities related to the promotion of alternative
transportation modes in order to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs). Staff
referenced their Active Transportation Plan11 and projects such as the development of
new bike paths and sidewalks, local public transportation expansion and the
construction of more transit shelters and bus pads, advocacy for a regional
transportation network along Highway 99 and the implementation of carsharing
networks and electric charging stations.
Priorities aimed at reducing wood burning activities and particulate matter emissions
(PM2.5) include the introduction of organics collection (to eliminate seasonal burning),
permit requirements for backyard fires and woodstoves and the elimination of fires in
public spaces. Staff noted that the District allocated funds to the Sea to Sky Clean Air
Society for a number of years to administer the Woodstove Exchange Program but
found that resident uptake was low (approximately 10% per year). As a result, this
program is no longer offered.
9
Bowen Island Municipality. (2016). Bowen Island Community Energy and Emissions Plan.
https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/118760
10
Bowen Island Municipality. (2018). Transportation Plan 2018-2038.
https://www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/files/TransportationPlanFinal.compressed.pdf
11
District of Squamish. (2016). ‘Active Transportation Plan.’ https://squamish.ca/assets/Active-transportation-
plan/2016-09-19-Squamish-ATP-FINAL.pdf
8Town of Gibsons
To reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs), staff are implementing the eight actions
in the Sunshine Coast Energy and Emissions Plan12. Diversifying transportation options
to reduce dependency on the single occupancy vehicle was noted as a priority. To
determine the effectiveness of their open and backyard burning bylaws in reducing
particulate matter (PM2.5), staff are collecting and analyzing air quality monitoring data
over the last 2 years. It was also noted that the woodstove exchange program is active
but is administered by the Sunshine Coast Clean Air Society.
Metro Vancouver
Under the Environment Management Act, Metro Vancouver has the authority delegated
by the provincial government to manage air quality within its jurisdictional boundaries13.
This includes administering bylaws that regulate emissions from residential, commercial
and industrial sources through permitting, education and enforcement. In addition,
Metro Vancouver monitors air quality through a network of monitoring stations and
undertakes an emissions inventory for the region every five years. This collection and
analysis of data helps guide priorities and actions to advance the state of the airshed.
The Metro Vancouver Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan
has three goals: to protect public health and environment, improve visual air quality and
minimize the region’s contribution to global climate change. To achieve these goals the
Plan proposes 12 strategies, 81 actions and 10 performance measures14.
The strategies that guide the actions to advance the goal of protecting public health and
the environment include reducing emissions and public exposure to diesel particulate
matter, reducing air contaminant emissions from industrial, commercial, institutional and
agricultural sources at both the regional and local level, reducing air contaminant
emissions from residential sources, reducing air contaminant emissions from cars,
trucks and buses and increasing public understanding of air quality issues and public
engagement in clear air programs. Staff noted that emissions from marine traffic
(nitrous oxide, sulphur dioxide and PM2.5) are the most challenging to tackle since
Metro Vancouver does not have jurisdiction over marine areas.
A current priority for staff is to seek public input on a proposed bylaw to reduce wood
smoke emissions from wood stoves. The bylaw would use a phased in approach
comprised of three elements:
• By 2020 - A seasonal restriction on the use of indoor residential wood burning
appliances between May 15 – September 15;
12
Town of Gibsons. (2010). ‘Sunshine Coast Energy and Emissions Plan.’ P. 61-66 https://gibsons.ca/wp-
content/uploads/2018/01/Sunshine-Coast-Community-Energy-and-Emissions-Plan.pdf
13
Province of BC. (2019). ‘Air Quality Legislation and Regulation.’
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-quality-management/regulatory-
framework/legislation-regulations
14
Metro Vancouver. (2014). ‘ Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan – Progress Report.’
http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality/AirQualityPublications/2014IAQGGMPProgressReport.pdf
9• By 2022 - Registration for indoor residential wood burning appliances based on
particulate matter emission levels; and,
• By 2025 - Prohibition of emitting wood smoke from residential wood burning
appliances unless the device is registered or if other conditions apply (e.g. an
exemption).
The bylaw would be applicable to all municipalities within the Urban Containment
Boundary (including 2 communities in the Sea to Sky airshed - Bowen Island
Municipality and Village of Lions Bay). Bowen Island Municipality has been granted an
exemption from this bylaw since residents have no other source of heat (e.g. natural
gas) and have more frequent power outages. It was noted by the interviewee from
Lions Bay that they have not received an exemption from the bylaw to date but it may
be considered by Metro Vancouver at a later date.
Other air quality priorities include the improvement of visual air quality. Metro
Vancouver strategizes to reduce emissions of air contaminants and precursors that can
degrade visual air quality and to develop a visual air quality management program for
the Lower Fraser Valley airshed in partnership with other government agencies.
Actions to minimize the region’s contribution to global climate change are organized
within five strategies including reducing emissions of short-lived climate forcers,
supporting the region’s municipalities, businesses and residents to reduce their carbon
footprints, reducing the carbon footprint of the region’s transportation system, exploring
opportunities for carbon sequestration and increasing public understanding of climate
issues and encourage personal action.
Village of Lions Bay
The Councillor interviewed noted that one of the priority activities being undertaken is
garnering resident feedback on Metro Vancouver’s proposed bylaw to reduce residential
wood smoke. The summary from these meetings will then be sent to Metro Vancouver
for consideration. Other air quality activities include an anti-idling bylaw (No. 416,
2010), restrictions on open burning and participation in Metro Vancouver’s Wood Stove
Exchange Program.
Bowen Island Municipality
Interviewees noted that priority air quality activities are those tied to the reduction in
Greenhouse Gas Emissions as stated in their Community Energy and Emissions Plan15
and Transportation Plan16. These include the advancement of Bowen Island’s
Integrated Transportation Master Plan which aims to increase active and public
transportation options. This includes the promotion of a new ride sharing app, Bowen
15
Bowen Island Municipality. (2016). Bowen Island Community Energy and Emissions Plan.
https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/118760
16
Bowen Island Municipality. (2018). Transportation Plan 2018-2038.
https://www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/files/TransportationPlanFinal.compressed.pdf
10Lift17 and the development of the multi-use pathway across the Island. Bowen Island
also participates in Metro Vancouver’s Woodstove Exchange Program and manages
open burning permits through their fire department.
Gambier Island
It was noted that many of the actions adopted by residents on Gambier Island that have
a positive impact on air quality were not regulated and were done so voluntarily. This
includes the adoption of electric golf carts as a mode of transport and the installation of
more efficient woodstoves in newer residences.
Resort Municipality of Whistler
Staff noted that priority air quality activities being implemented are those tied to
Greenhouse Gas Emissions reduction as stated in the Community Energy and Climate
Action Plan18. These include advancing local and regional mass transportation,
activating walking, biking and other forms of healthy transportation, supporting
electrification and the adoption of low carbon transport options.
3c. What are the potential role(s) that the Sea to Sky Clean Air Society could play in
alignment with these priorities and activities?
Interviewees proposed a number of roles for the Sea to Sky Clean Air Society including
the provision of an information hub for air quality data, trends, activities and best
practices in the airshed, coordinating across communities with common air quality
interests and advocating to keep Sea to Sky air quality issues top of mind for all orders
of government.
District of Squamish
Staff noted the need for information on air quality trends and emissions sources within
the Sea to Sky airshed. Although staff are able to track provincial monitoring data within
their community, there is value in understanding whether air quality activities in one
community are having a broader impact across the airshed as a whole. Information
products that track and interpret trends related to transportation emissions (including
GHGs) were of particular interest. Staff also noted the importance of tracking point
source emissions such as those from industry to see their level of impact on the airshed
as a whole.
With respect to GHG emission reductions and related climate action, staff noted that a
number of organizations were already undertaking this work within the airshed. To
17
Linking Islanders through Friendly Transportation. (2019). ‘Bowen Lift.’ http://bowenlift.com/bowen-lift-app/
18
Resort Municipality of Whistler. (2016). “Community Energy and Climate Action Plan.” July 2016.
https://www.whistler.ca/sites/default/files/related/cecap.0_final.pdf
11avoid duplication, it was advised that the Sea to Sky Clean Air Society perform a review
of current activities if it is contemplating playing a role in this area.
Town of Gibsons
Staff noted that there is an existing air quality organization for the Sunshine Coast – the
Sunshine Coast Clean Air Society. It was also noted that air quality issues that arise in
Gibsons have been very specific to the local context so there has not been a need to
engage with the Sea to Sky Clean Air Society.
Metro Vancouver
Staff recognized the value in a potential advocacy role that the SSCAS could take on to
ensure the Province and other orders of government are aware of air quality issues in
the airshed and the potential impact of large projects (e.g. Woodfibre LNG, Trans
Mountain project). In addition, staff recognized the value in the outreach and education
activities that the SSCAS could lead to better inform the public and promote behaviours
to better air quality.
Village of Lions Bay
It was recognized that the SSCAS could keep smaller communities like Lions Bay
informed about air quality trends, issues and priorities in the airshed. In addition,
SSCAS could help to convene discussion across communities that have common
interests such as Woodfibre LNG and the impacts of increasing development across the
Sea to Sky corridor.
Bowen Island Municipality
Interviewees noted that they had little to no knowledge of SSCAS’ activities but would
like to stay informed and involved. It was also noted that there is a need for monitoring
and reporting on air quality trends in the airshed and bringing communities together who
are interested in common issues (e.g. Woodfibre LNG, ferries, etc.).
Gambier Island
The interviewee expressed interest in working with SSCAS to see if the woodstove
exchange program would be feasible on Gambier Island. It was also noted that the
SSCAS may benefit from exploring a merger with a larger group within Howe Sound
(e.g. Ocean Watch Task Force, Howe Sound Biosphere Reserve Initiative). This would
enable all the sustainability issues in Howe Sound to be prioritized by a single
organization and would leverage resources across different groups.
Resort Municipality of Whistler
Staff noted that the SSCAS through the implementation of the Air Quality Management
Plan could help communities within the airshed stay connected and coordinate
12collaboration on air quality issues (e.g. anti-idling promotion across the airshed,
information about forest fire smoke and health impacts, etc.). It was also noted that
information on air quality data, trends and activities throughout the airshed and across
BC is needed. The SSCAS could develop this information and highlight best practices
that other communities are advancing. This is especially important for smaller
municipalities that don’t have a lot of resources and access to information.
Staff also noted that a clear description of how information SSCAS outputs and other
deliverables align with current local government priorities would increase the probability
of securing funding from municipalities.
Figure 2 below provides a ‘frequency of mention’ summary listing the SSCAS future
roles suggested.
Wood Stove Facilitating
Data &
Exchange Interjurisdictional
Local Government Information Advocacy
Program Collaboration on
Hub
Support Shared Concerns
District of Squamish 1 1
Town of Gibsons
Metro Vancouver 1 1
Village of Lions Bay 1 1
Bowen Island
1 1
Municipality
Gambier Island 1
Resort Municipality
1 1
of Whistler
Totals 5 1 4 1
Figure 2. SSCAS Potential Roles - # of Mentions by Interviewees
Based on this analysis, local governments interviewed support SSCAS playing two main
roles: i) acting as a Data and Information Hub; and ii) facilitating interjurisdictional
collaboration on shared concerns. Other potential roles (Wood Stove Exchange
Program support and advocacy) were mentioned once and, therefore, would need to be
further validated per the recommendations in the next section.
134. Recommendations
Based on the interviews with staff and elected officials in the Sea to Sky Airshed, FBC
proposes the following recommendations for consideration by SSCAS.
I. Further validate the findings of this report.
Good air quality is important to a broad constituency of interests. In order to further
validate the findings of this report in relation to potential future SSCAS roles, it is
recommended that this report be first distributed to interviewees to confirm its accuracy.
Following this step, it is recommended that a summary of the findings be developed and
communicated to a broader spectrum of interests than those interviewed for this study,
including those local governments in the Airshed that were not interviewed for this
report, Indigenous Nations in the Airshed, relevant federal government agencies,
academic institutions industry, and community organizations in the Airshed. Direct
follow-up with these audiences would confirm the degree to which the envisaged
SSCAS roles would be useful to them in their work and also identify potential funding
program linkages as well as inform SSCAS governance renewal opportunities.
.
II. Develop and disseminate Case for Support and Scope and Budget for proposed
SSCAS roles
Based on the inputs garnered through the validation step above, work with key partners
to develop a Case for Support and Scope and Budget for proposed SSCAS roles and
the key supports needed for these roles, for example:
a) Local government expressed the need for information products about air quality
data and trends in the Sea to Sky airshed over time. Although staff have access
to in-time air quality data from the provincial government they do not currently
have information about trends and how air quality has been changing over time
in the Airshed. Local governments also emphasized the value in learning about
what other communities in the airshed and across BC are doing with respect to
climate action (e.g., GHG emission reductions) and air quality related activities as
well as what best practices have emerged from those activities. The SSCAS
could provide an online hub for this information using a website or blog platform
in addition to social media tools. In addition, as recommended in the Sea to Sky
Air Quality Management Plan Review19, dispersion modelling tools could be
considered to help with trend information. Developing data sharing
arrangements with the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy,
the universities and others within the Metro Vancouver and Sea to Sky regions
could help advance this work. It will be particularly important to liaise with the BC
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy to confirm their interest
and support for this role and the Ministry’s plans for air quality data analysis and
19
Cariboo Environmental Quality Consulting Ltd. (2014). ‘Sea to Sky Air Quality Management Plan Review- Final
Report April, 2014.’ P. 64. https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/41001
14trends reporting, and how such plans could be supported through this proposed
SSCAS role.
b) Many air quality issues and opportunities transcend jurisdictional boundaries; in
the case of issues, an emission source in one jurisdiction can affect air quality in
others. With respect to opportunities, working together on common issues of
concern is an effective way to harness scarce resources and minimize
duplication. SSCAS has an important potential role to play as a third party that
has the flexibility to facilitate collaboration on air quality across the airshed – and
this role needs to be further defined through, for example, consideration of
SSCAS convening an annual airshed forum and/or facilitating workshops on
specific issues (e.g. sustainable transportation per the point below).
c) The majority of local government activities are currently focused on the reduction
of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs). Although this is not the explicit focus of
the SSCAS, it may be worth exploring the co-benefits of these activities for other
emissions (e.g. PM2.5, NOx, CO, etc.) especially as it relates to transportation.
In addition, interviewees noted the importance of a coordinating organization to
enable smaller communities to engage in discussions about a regional
transportation network along the Sea to Sky corridor. Given the connection
between traffic emissions and the air quality of corridor communities, SSCAS
could be well positioned to serve in this role.
d) Supports for the roles identified above include: i) undertaking a SSCAS
governance review; and ii) including ways and means to increase the profile of
SSCAS. Communications platforms such as the SSCAS website and Facebook
page should be updated and new URLs should be provided to local government
and other partners. In addition, a blog section on the homepage could be added
to provide weekly updates as well as the development of 1-3 posts per week on
Facebook to keep users / followers engaged.
The Case for Support and Proposed Scope and Budget would serve as a means to
communicate with and secure the support of potential funders and, in concert with the
governance review, also be used to attract new Board members to SSCAS, including
funding organizations and/or those with the ability to reach out to and engage other
potential funders.
15Appendix A – Summary of Interviewees
Title Local Government Date Interviewed Notes
Senior Staff
Staff District of Squamish 1/15/2019
Staff
Senior Staff Town of Gibsons 1/31/2019
District of West Vancouver
noted that they do not
have a staff person or capacity
to advance this work.
They suggested to contact
Metro Vancouver.
MV member municipalities
include Lions Bay and
Senior Staff Metro Vancouver 2/1/2019 Bowen Island.
Resort Municipality of
Senior Staff Whistler 2/4/2019
Bowen Island
Staff Municipality 2/12/2019
Councillor & Islands Bowen Island
Trustee Municipality 3/1/2019
The interview request was
brought forward to the Islands
Trust Executive Committee. On
January 30th is was
moved by the EC that staff were
to forward the request
to the Bowen Municipality and
Gambier Local
Islands Trustee Islands Trust 2/13/2019 Trust Committee for action.
Councillor Village of Lions Bay 2/27/2019
16Appendix B - Cover Note
The Fraser Basin Council (FBC), an established independent not-for-profit organization
that advances sustainability throughout BC through broad-based informed collaboration,
has been asked by the Sea to Sky Clean Air Society (SSCAS) to implement a needs
assessment and gap analysis to better understand air quality issues and opportunities
in the Sea to Sky airshed. In light of the important roles local governments play to
improve air quality, from community outreach and education to managing emissions
from their own activities, I am writing to you to request an opportunity to undertake a
short interview that will assist the SSCAS to determine what role(s) it can potentially
play in the future to support local governments' leadership in this regard.
Through a 45 minute telephone or in-person interview, I would appreciate your ideas
and insights on the following topics:
1. Current air quality related priorities in the Sea to Sky airshed;
2. Air quality activities currently underway that your local government is leading or
is aware of through the work of others; and,
3. The potential role(s) that the Sea to Sky Clean Air Society could provide in
alignment with these priorities and activities.
The FBC is undertaking this work as an independent third party which will develop a
summary of feedback and recommendations for SSCAS and one of its funders, the
provincial government. For more information about the project as well as FBC and
SSCAS, please see the briefing note attached.
I will call to follow up in the next week. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact
me if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
Theresa Fresco
17Appendix C - Briefing Note
Overview of the Sea to Sky Clean Air Society and the Air Quality Needs
Assessment Project
http://seatoskyairquality.ca/about-sscas/staff/
Background:
The Sea to Sky Airshed faces a number of air quality and climate change challenges
including increases in particular matter (PM2.5), ground level ozone and greenhouse
gas emissions (GHGs) resulting from increased vehicular traffic due to increased
visitation and resident population growth, wood burning, land clearing, forestry, and
increases in industrial and commercial development. These issues are compounded by
geographical features that lead to poor air circulation and build-up of pollutants
particularly during high pressure systems which prevent pollutant dispersion. To
address these issues, a Sea to Sky / Howe Sound Air Quality Coordinating Committee
was formed in 2002 which evolved into the Sea to Sky Clean Air Society (SSCAS) in
2010.
Prior to the Sea to Sky Clean Air Society (SSCAS) becoming a registered Society in
2010, members met on an ad-hoc basis as the Air Quality Coordinating Committee
(AQCC) since 2002. This was, from the outset, an outgrowth of the Howe Sound
Forum, and originally all members were elected officials or municipal staff. The AQCC
worked collaboratively to develop the Sea-to-Sky Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP)
in 2007, which was updated in 2015.
The Sea to Sky airshed includes the communities surrounding Howe Sound including:
• Gibsons
• Bowen Island
• Keats Island
• Gambier Island
• West Vancouver
• Lions Bay
• Furry Creek
• Britannia Beach
• Squamish
• Whistler
• Pemberton
• Mount Currie
• D’Arcy
18The SSCAS currently has four Board members – three community members and one
local government staff from the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.
Work to Date:
The AQCC and subsequently SSCAS have had ongoing roles in air quality advocacy,
education and policy development (including Implementation of the Air Quality
Management Plan). As well, they have provided staffing for numerous initiatives
including:
• Bike-to-School and Work weeks
• Woodstove exchange program
• Burn-it-Smart workshops
• Compute the Commute Transportation Workshop (Squamish)
• Interface fire mitigations convening (Whistler)
• Provincial Open Burning Regulation review (Squamish)
• Air Quality Symposium (West Vancouver)
• Idling Ambassador community outreach
• Habitat Restoration through naïve species plantings (Eco-Connections Grants)
• Development of bylaws such as backyard burning protocols
In addition, SSCAS has commented on air impacts of proposed development – e.g.
Burnco, Woodfibre LNG, Asphalt Plant in Whistler, Port Mellon co-generation,
residential / commercial development along the corridor.
It developed a template back yard and open burning protocol for adopting by member
local governments, and crafted OCP / LUB language.
Funding:
SSCAS receives seasonally restricted funding from the Ministry of Environment and
Climate Change Strategy and applies for grant funding where possible.
Historically, the SSCAS received funding from the local governments in the Sea to Sky
airshed.
Purpose of the Needs Assessment Project
In order to re-establish the SSCAS’ role in advancing work on air quality and better align
its work with local governments and other entities, a needs assessment and gap
analysis review will be conducted by the Fraser Basin Council (as an independent, third
party). This review would allow the SSCAS to elicit feedback from local government
staff on current air quality related priorities, activities currently underway and the role
and/or services that the SSCAS can provide.
19Overview of the Fraser Basin Council:
The Fraser Basin Council was established in 1997, and is focused on advancing
sustainability throughout BC with a focus on the Fraser River Basin. The mandate of
the FBC is to ensure that the Fraser Basin is a place where social well-being is
supported by a vibrant economy and sustained by a healthy environment. The FBC’s
Board of Directors includes the four orders of government (Federal, Provincial, Local,
First Nations), the private sector and civil society. This diversity of perspectives,
interests and jurisdictions is also engaged throughout the delivery of programs and
projects, which are implemented at different geographic scales ranging from local to
regional to basin-wide to province-wide. The Council has offices, staff and Directors in
the following regions: Upper Fraser, Cariboo-Chilcotin, Thompson, Fraser Valley and
the Greater Vancouver- Sea to Sky. One of FBC’s key strategic priorities is to support
action on Climate Change and Air Quality and supports a number of air quality initiatives
including the Prince George Air Improvement Roundtable (PGAIR) and Kamloops Air
Quality Roundtable.
20You can also read
