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AIR QUALITY & ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Air quality is a major public concern in Chilliwack and
the Fraser Valley. Air pollutants from industries and
power plants west of Chilliwack and fromWashington
State, and increased automobile traffic have posed a
possible health risk for some residents. Locally, cer-
tain agricultural practices have also fueled the air
quality debates. As agriculture intensifies, a larger
farm animal population and rising animal density will
elevate the production of GHGs and other air emis-
sions. The fume/odour and haze from liquid fertiliz-
ers is often a subject of public conversation.
Air quality is more than an environmental issue. It
is a socio-economic and political issue as it can have
a profound effect on the quality of life and our at-
traction to new industries and potential residents.
Surrounded by mountains, the Lower Fraser Valley
Airshed (LFVA) in which Chilliwack is located, is sus-
ceptible to the build-up of contaminants. Protective
measures are necessary to reduce such phenome-
non and its threat to human health, livability and the
environment. While the FVRD and Province are re-
sponsible for air quality, Chilliwack can contribute to
the solution through local land use, transportation,
and environmental and energy planning. Our city is
committed to an integrated approach to improving
air quality, energy conservation and GHG emission.
It has worked with consultants and stakeholders to
develop a Community Air Quality, Energy and Green-
house Gas Action Plan. It has also adopted a sepa-
rate Corporate Action Plan, targeting improvements
to the City-owned infrastructure and fleet – to show
community leadership.
OBJECTIVES
1. Collaborate with the provincial government, FVRD
and Metro Vancouver to reduce air pollution and
safeguard human and environmental health.
2. Fulfill the community’s goal of maintaining per
capita energy consumption at the 2007 level, and
the GHG emission target of 20% per capita reduc-
tion from the 2007 level by 2020.
POLICIES
1. Implement the Community Integrated Air Qual-
ity, Energy and Greenhouse Gas Action Plan to
reduce GHG emissions, air pollutants, and energy
consumption related to:
•
Transportation
•
Buildings/Processes
•
Waste
•
Agriculture
•
Open burning
2. Work with the FVRD to identify and develop a
comprehensive local air quality monitoring net-
work and appropriate air quality standards to pro-
tect human and environmental health.
STEWARDSHIP
Community stewardship empowers local groups and
citizens who, with their skills and talents, take pride
in making a difference. Stewardship programs offer
opportunities for citizens of all ages to be involved in
the management of environmental resources, creat-
ing local solutions for local problems, and instilling
civic responsibility and action. Positive results have
been exemplified by programs such as Adopt-a-River
and Adopt-a-Road.
OBJECTIVE
Maximize public awareness of, and commitment to,
environmental protection and enhancement through
community partnerships.
POLICIES
1. Work with community groups, schools and cit-
izens to identify partnership opportunities and
develop integrated stewardship and education
programs.
Goal 4 - Protect the Environment