Air Quality Committees
Central Okanagan Regional Air Quality Committee (not active)
The Air Quality Committee was disbanded with the incorporation of the Westside District Municipality in December 2007. Air Quality issues are now being discussed by the Governance and Services Committee
.
The Air Quality Committee was made up of members of the Regional Board. When it met during 2007, Westside Director David Knowles was the Chair, while Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd acted as Vice-Chair.
The Committee was charged with the development and implementation of an Air Quality Management Plan for the Regional District of the Central Okanagan subject to Regional Board approval. (The management plan will remain flexible and responsive to changing public priorities, to financial partnerships, to new program opportunities and to current research.) On May 14, 2007 the Regional Board adopted the Central Okanagan Air Quality Management Plan
Public and Expert Input: Public input was invited on appropriate issues relevant to the development of the Air Quality Management Plan. Technical, professional or expert input on specific issues was sought directly with the appropriate individuals, groups, or organizations capable of providing it.
Terms of Reference
Scope of Committee
The Committee was charged with the development and implementation of an Air Quality Management Plan for the Regional District of the Central Okanagan subject to Regional Board approval.
Public and Expert Input:
Public input was sought on appropriate issues relevant to the development of the Air Quality Management Plan. Technical, professional or expert input on specific issues will be sought directly with the appropriate individuals, groups, or organizations capable of providing it.
Air Quality Plan Development Process:
- Determine the existing state and projected trends for the air quality in the Central Okanagan area.
- Determine the potential health effects related to the state and projected trends of air quality in the Central Okanagan area.
- Develop air quality management goals. Determination that the necessary authorities can be co-ordinated or put in place to meet air quality management goals.
- Determine the additional data requirements and research needs necessary to develop the air quality management plan including the identification of potential funding sources and undertake to secure such.
- Draft the Air Quality Management Plan and prepare implementation strategies to attain the air quality goals.
- Submit the draft plan and implementation strategies for review and approval of affected agencies.
- Finalize the plan and co-ordinate the implementation.
General Objectives of the Committee:
- Facilitate an open process of communication on regional air quality management issues among private sector, government (municipal, provincial, federal and international), non-government public interest groups and the general public.
- Establish an on-going opportunity for stakeholders to keep up to date and informed on Central Okanagan air quality management progress and on air quality initiatives being developed or implemented.
- Provide a forum for consultation partners and stakeholders to present proposed new initiatives for the purpose of review, discussion and reporting back to constituent groups.
- Provide advice and feedback among consultation partners. Agency staff and stakeholders on air quality management priorities and concerns.
Issues to deal with:
- Automobile Emissions
- Burning Regulation
- Education (public awareness)
- Co-ordination with other groups and organizations (Approved by the Regional Board on July 13, 1998)
Other Committees
Okanagan Air Quality Technical Steering Committee(1995)
