What is Clean Air Day?

Clean Air Day (CAD) was proclaimed by the Government of Canada to increase public awareness and action on two key environmental priorities, clean air and climate change. It is part of Canadian Environment Week, which was created to promote and to celebrate activities that care and nurture our environmental legacy.

Clean Air Day builds on a tradition of community activities that target environment, health and transportation issues during the months of May and June. In fact, the Day was declared by the Government of Canada in response to a request made by several of these community organizations. Clean Air Day, as part of Environment Week, is very much a grassroots event relying on strong partnerships with all sectors of society. Clean Air Day and Environment Week are about all of us, as individuals and as members of our communities, making choices that help create a cleaner, safer world for ourselves, our families and the next generation.

There are strong links between air pollution and health problems, especially for the elderly, children and for those with respiratory and cardiac problems. A large number of studies, including some from the Government of Canada, the Ontario Medical Association and the Toronto Public Health Department show that air pollution can lead to premature death, increased hospital admissions, more emergency room visits and higher rates of absenteeism.

While progress is being made to improve air quality, we still have a lot to do and everyone (inviduals, communities and governments) has a role to play.

On your journey through this site, find out more about the sources of air pollution, their impact on the quality of the air we breathe and on your health, the actions undertaken by governments and communities and the activities you and your community can adopt to help clean the air.

BURN SMART  Modern and efficient wood burning appliances graphically show how wood burning can lessen air pollution in our towns and villages. You may be surprised how little smoke it is possible to generate by learning a few simple facts.

Many people within the communities of Penticton, Okanagan Falls, Kaleden, Keremeos, Oliver, Osoyoos and Princeton suffer from Asthma and other lung ailments. Some of those people become prisoners in their own homes during burning season while others are reluctant to open doors or windows.

The clean air committee is aware that wood stove burning is not the entire cause of air pollution in the area, but it is the most visible. Smoking chimneys send particulate matter as small as germs out into the neighbourhood. This toxic particulate matter affects seniors and young children the most.  It would appear that some owners of wood stoves have no idea how their burning has a direct effect upon the health of immediate neighbours and others.

The clean air committee along with health professionals strongly urges citizens using wood burning appliances to inquire about efficient wood burning appliances.  It is worthy of note that some jurisdictions have banned the use of older appliances. We do not wish to see this happen in the Okanagan Similkameen; rather we wish to see less smoke for the benefit of all.

"Let's Drive Green"

Free No Fine Vehicle Emission Testing Clinics/June 2004 Held in Penticton, Oliver,Kelowna, Vernon and Osoyoos. Big Thank you to the volunteers, Penticton Citizens on Patrol, Oliver Crime Watch Patrol, and Ken Sanderson's students at Osoyoos Secondary.

I took my car in and was done in les than 15 minutes. I was pleased to her that my 1994 car was low emissions and learned a few tips like: find a good mechanic, get regular tune ups and keeping your oil changes and tires filled.  Plan trips ahead of time ( to prevent unnecessary trips). Consider car pooling or giving the second car.  Keep on an eye for the next free emission testing in your area.