Editor,
According to Environment Canada's website, the government of Canada tabled on Oct. 19, 2006 Canada's Clean Air Act to help protect human health and the environment by taking an integrated approach to reducing emissions of both air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
It aims to: move industry from voluntary compliance to strict enforcement and replace the current ad hoc, patchwork system with clear, consistent and comprehensive national standards.
Now that the Squamish municipality has appointed a staff member to monitor air quality, hopefully our community may look forward to cleaner air.
Let's not ever detract from community events like last week's important Olympic Celebration when mainly large, heavily-polluting vehicles participated in the event.
To quote the website: "In fact, transportation is one of the largest sources of air pollution in Canada and may account for up to two thirds of all smog forming pollutants in some urban areas. Smog is particularly harmful to children, the elderly and those with cardio-respiratory problems."
Another guideline for Canadians is to avoid idling your vehicle. Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel that restarting your engine and produces more air pollution.
Squamish Municipality is very shy about displaying BC is Idle Free signs. The community is not even aware of this law or national standards.
With Squamish's new building developments and planned developments, federal recommendations are not taken into account, which reminds one "natural light saves energy and is easier on the eyes."
Take note Squamish Oceanfront Development. The question is, why don't we find/build south-facing buildings?
If you would like to work towards the betterment of your community and celebrate Clean Air Day June 2, 2010 read more on www.cleanairday.com.
Heather Gee
Squamish
