Although Greater Vancouver currently experiences good regional air quality relative to most other urban areas in North America, health impacts still occur at current levels and particulate matter, sulphur oxides, ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions are forecast to increase as a result of predicted growth in population, trade and transportation. Localized “hot spots” can also exist even though regional air quality may remain acceptable.

To maintain and improve air quality in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed, Metro Vancouver adopted its third air quality management plan in October 2011. The 2011 Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (IAQGGMP) is very strategic in nature providing a vision, goals, strategies, actions and performance measures that will guide air quality management in the region over the next decade. The Plan strives to protect human health and the environment, improve visual air quality and reduce the region’s contribution to global climate change.

 Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan

Partnerships

Metro Vancouver implements it plans and programs in partnership with many groups, including the following multi-agency committees:

Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Coordinating Committee
The Lower Fraser Valley airshed includes Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District and Whatcom County in Washington State. Agencies in Canada and Whatcom County meet regularly as the Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Coordinating Committee to share ideas, coordinate air quality programs and initiatives, and plan ongoing air quality improvements for the Lower Fraser Valley airshed.

Georgia Basin-Puget Sound International Airshed Strategy
The Lower Fraser Valley is part of a larger regional airshed called the Georgia Basin-Puget Sound airshed. This airshed stretches from the Cascade/Coast Mountains to the east and the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island to the west. Containing the major cities of Vancouver, B.C., Seattle and Tacoma WA, this region shares common features including air quality issues. The regional, provincial and federal government agencies as well as First Nations and US Tribal Nations of these areas have prepared an overall air quality management plan for this international airshed. The partners also share information and are working on a common approach to reducing emissions in general, and greenhouse gases (GHGs) in particular.

Regional Engineers’ Advisory Committee-Climate Protection Subcommittee
The Regional Engineers’ Advisory Committee-Climate Protection Subcommittee is composed of municipal staff members who have been appointed by their Regional Engineers’ Advisory Committee or Technical Advisory Committee representatives. The purpose of the Subcommittee is to promote awareness of climate change and be a catalyst in facilitating municipal and regional actions which support climate protection and promote sustainability. The Subcommittee meets regularly to discuss issues, projects and plans related to climate change mitigation and adaptation.