Released on June 4, 2014
To celebrate Clean Air Day, Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff delivered some good news this afternoon to Mayor Michael Fougere and the City of Regina. The Ministry of Environment’s recently completed report on the Air Quality Monitoring Study for the City of Regina, indicates that the overall air quality levels in the city are good to excellent, and are consistent from one area of the city to the next. In addition, the Great Plains Air Zone has been established, the third in the province, and will encompass the Regina, Moose Jaw and Yorkton regions.“Unlike many other jurisdictions across the globe, we are so fortunate in Saskatchewan to have clean air,” Cheveldayoff said. “The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to maintaining the high quality of air that we breathe. Bringing industry, government and individuals together through projects like the Regina Air Quality Monitoring Study and the establishment of provincial air zones will help to ensure the quality of air in our province remains excellent now and for future generations.”
The one-year air quality monitoring study was conducted in Regina’s residential neighbourhoods by the Ministry of Environment in partnership with the City of Regina, the Ministry of Health and Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region. The urban study is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan and was initiated in 2012 to gain a better understanding of the status and trends of air quality in the city, and to set a baseline for future monitoring projects. The next urban air quality monitoring study is expected to begin in Saskatoon this summer.
Based on the Air Quality Health Index, the standard air quality health measurement across Canada, Regina’s study showed a low health risk for 97 per cent of the time in 2012-2013. This means that the city’s air quality was ideal for outdoor activity.
“Our open spaces are a big part of why the quality of life factor is so high for the people moving to Regina,” Fougere said. “To know that people can take full advantage of our parks, pathways, and sports facilities in good health is fantastic news.”
Like the first two Saskatchewan air zones, the Great Plains Air Zone will provide residents with air quality information relevant to their health; valuable data for industry to make informed decisions related to growth and operations; and feedback for governments to implement sustainable management strategies. Work on the remaining three air zones – the boreal, east central and south west regions – are planned for the future.
“The Great Plains Air Zone appreciates the support of the Ministry of Environment and looks forward to working collaboratively with industry in the air zone,” Great Plains Air Zone Executive Director Dennis Perris said. “This unique opportunity will allow Saskatchewan residents to have access to real-time air quality data and will aid in future planning for the environmental health and economic sustainability of the region.”
For the Regina Air Quality Study and more information about air quality monitoring, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/air.
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For more information, contact:
Jamie Gibson
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3900
Desirae Bernreuther
City of Regina
Regina
Phone: 306-777-7486
Dennis Perras
Great Plains Air Zone
Regina
Phone: 306-789-1313