Air Quality Discussion Paper - Executive Summary & Fast Facts

Air Quality Discussion Paper 2001

Environmental Protection Paper - Table of Contents

Environmental Protection Discussion Paper 2002

Source - RDCO Regional Sustainability and Strategies

Smoke Control Bylaw

The Regional Board has approved a resolution asking staff to prepare an amendment to the Regional District of Central Okanagan Smoke Control Bylaw No. 733. The amendment is expected to address permit approval issues related to the
installation of outdoor wood burning boilers which do not currently have Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

New Provincial and industry emission standards are being considered and the bylaw amendment would reflect these initiatives.

Item 4.1 Outdoor Wood Boilers.pdf

coming when it gets posted in August 2010

Anti-Idling and Air Quality Initiatives

The Regional Board has asked staff to provide information on anti-idling policies of Central Okanagan local governments to the Okanagan-Similkameen Airshed Coalition. As well, staff will prepare a report for consideration of the Governance and Services Committee regarding a proposed anti-idling campaign for the Central Okanagan. The Board also supports efforts of the Airshed Coalition to seek outside funding sources in order to update public information pamphlets on chipping and air quality.

Item 4.2 Air Quality Service Recommendation.pdf

* This is only a snippett, please click link above for entire document *

4.6. Provincial Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation Intention Paper Feb. 24,2010

Ralph Adams provided background information on the Provincial Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation Intention paper and informed the Committee that the process has started again with a stakeholder group in place. He noted that there might be a delay on the Intention Paper as the decision as to whether there should be high sensitive smoke areas seems to be an obstacle. He noted that there is agreement that the Intention Paper will have mechanisms for burning plans
that could be developed in conjunction with the Ministry of Forests and Range, Local Governments and Fire departments, which would allow for interface and fuel reduction burning.

It was brought to the Coalition's attention that there was a legal opinion from Crown Counsel that the Ministry of Environment does not have the authority to enforce open burning on Federal Land however; the Canada Health Act may provide a mechanism to improve burning practices.

ACTION: Ralph Adams to obtain relevant Health Act information in regards to open burning practices.

(Federal Land possibly means Reserve land)

Not available yet, but coming next month

Item 5.1 Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition.pdf

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Item 6.1 Bylaw Dispute Adjudication Program.pdf (for some reason RDCO has this under Bylaw Dispute Adjudication)

*This is only a portion of the agenda ... please click link for entire contents

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OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN AIRSHED COALITION MINUTES Feb. 24,2010

1. ELECTION OF OSAC CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR

Election of Chair
Nominations for the position of the Chair for the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition

MOTION: EDGSON/LlTKE
That Director Allan Patton be nominated as Chair for the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed
Coalition.
Director Patton was not in attendance to accept the nomination; however he had earlier
indicated that he wished to resume the role of Chair.
There were no further nominations.

Director Allan Patton was acclaimed Chair of the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition.

Election of Vice Chair
Nominations for the position of the Vice Chair for the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition

MOTION: EDGSON/LlTKE
That Mayor Sharon Shepherd be nominated as Vice Chair for the Okanagan Similkameen
Airshed Coalition.
Mayor Shepherd accepted the nomination.
There were no further nominations

Mayor Sharon Shepherd was declared acclaimed, Vice Chair of the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition.

Vice Chair Shepherd assumed the Chair

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3.6. BC Transit strategic Planning Session held November 17,2009

Discussion:
.. It was noted that not one of the top five priorities of the Transit Plan dealt with greenhouse gas reductions. As this is a provincially mandated requirement for local governments discussion ensued as to why this is not a priority.

MOTION:
Whereas the average British Columbia community has 2.5% of its citizens using public transportation and that the current BC Transit objective is to double ridership to 5% and

Whereas the BC Transit Strategic Plan is being developed to the year 2030, and the Province has set the green house gas emission reduction targets to be reduced by 80% to the year 2050;

AND Whereas not one of the top five priorities of BC Transits draft strategic transit plan deals with greenhouse gas reductions,

THEREFORE, the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition recommends that the BC Transit Strategic Plan include in their strategic plan a higher objective than doubling ridership in order to reduce greenhouse gases;

AND FURTHER THAT BC Transit should consider green house gas reduction and improving air quality as part of their list of major priorities to address Provincial climate change and air quality
mandates.

AND FURTHER THAT this resolution be forwarded to the three Regional Districts Boards for support of the resolution prior to a letter being forwarded to BC Transit.

MOVED BY: Sharon Shepherd SECONDED BY: Buffy Baumbrough

CARRIED

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4.5. Anti-idling - Mayor Shepherd, Nicole Marzinzik

Staff provided information to guide the Coalition in a discussion on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from idling vehicles and provide recommendations to the participating Regional Districts.

Ideas:
• Educating and modeling should be the priority, target schools and corporations.
• Develop broad based campaigns (plans) working on behavioral changes using social marketing (resources may be available from Fraser Basin).
• Have sectors set up their own clear objectives on how to reduce emissions.
• Participating Regional Districts should lead by example regarding anti-idling awareness.
• Need to determine where the resources of the emissions are (traffic patterns, talking on cell phone, drive thrus) and who can look at this through their portfolios and promote the reduction of idling.
• Inquire if the Federal Government has funding and if they are providing anti-idling ambassadors again this year.

It was agreed that the Coalition should raise awareness and show leadership in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, before recommending an anti-idling Bylaw to their Regional Districts. The marketing could be done by one Regional District and then share the message throughout the valley. It was noted that it would be a challenge for the RDNO, as there is no
dedicated staff person for Air Quality.

Page 3 of 7

MOTION: SHEPHERD/EDGSON

WHEREAS the UBCM Climate Action Charter, requires each Municipality to become carbon neutral by 2012 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2020 to meet the BC Climate targets,

THEREFORE the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition recommends to the three Regional District Boards that they receive the anti-idling discussion and the Cracking Down on Idling papers and request that they consider a social marketing program for anti-idling,

AND FURTHER THAT the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition request regional and municipal governments forward any anti-idling policies to the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition for their review.

CARRIED

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OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN AIRSHED COALITION MINUTES

4.6. Provincial Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation Intention Paper Feb. 24, 2010

Ralph Adams provided background information on the Provincial Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation Intention paper and informed the Committee that the process has started again with a stakeholder group in place. He noted that there might be a delay on the Intention Paper as the decision as to whether there should be high sensitive smoke areas seems to be an obstacle. He noted that there is agreement that the Intention Paper will have mechanisms for burning plans that could be developed in conjunction with the Ministry of Forests and Range, Local Governments and Fire departments, which would allow for interface and fuel reduction burning.

It was brought to the Coalition's attention that there was a legal opinion from Crown Counsel that the Ministry of Environment does not have the authority to enforce open burning on Federal Land however; the Canada Health Act may provide a mechanism to improve burning practices.

ACTION: Ralph Adams to obtain relevant Health Act information in regards to open burning practices.

It was noted that calls have been received inquiring if the Agriculture Chipping Program also covers Band Land.

RDOS have noticed more growers are participating in the alternative to burning programs.

ACTION: Staff to inquire if the First Nation Health officer in Kelowna would like to attend the OSAC meetings.

April 8, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

5. Air Quality

5.1 Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition

Nicole Marzinzik, the region's air quality staff person contracted through the City of Kelowna, noted the Okanagan-Similkameen chipping brochure needs to be updated and that there is an opportunity to apply for external funding. It was noted that the Regional District and City of Kelowna have anti-idling policies and that those should be circulated to the Coalition for their information.

#GS31/10 EDGSON/SHEPHERD
THAT the Governance & Services Committee receive the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition minutes of November 17, 2009 and February 24,2010;

AND THAT staff provide information to the Coalition on the Central Okanagan's anti-idling policies;

AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to report to a future Governance and Services Committee on the proposed Central Okanagan's regional air quality anti-idling campaign;

AND FURTHER THAT the Governance and Services Committee recommends the Regional Board support the Okanagan-Similkameen Airshed Coalition's application for external funding to update brochures on chipping and air quality.

CARRIED

ACTION: Staff to forward to the Okanagan-Similkameen Airshed Coalition a copy of the April 7, 2010 letter from Steve Harvard, BC Transit regarding BC Transit's Strategic Plan update.

A copy of the winning entry for the Clean Air poster contest with School District No. 23. was circulated for the Committee's interest.

The final plug has been pulled on the air quality activities.

The North Okanagan Regional District board has officially abandoned its air quality service.

“We’re supporting air quality 100 per cent. We’re just doing it another way,” said director Jack Gilroy.

Directors recently eliminated $49,576 from the 2010 tax requisition and will use reserves to fund remaining activities. On the expenditure side, the budget has been cut from $87,780 to a projected $23,068.

“We have to be responsible to the taxpayers,” said Gilroy of the need to try and reduce the district’s expenditures.

As a result of the function being abandoned, the vacant air quality co-ordinator’s position won’t be posted.

“It didn’t make sense to have another person when everything is in place,” said Gilroy, referring to the Okanagan Airshed Coalition and technical expertise from the City of Vernon.

“The valley (wide initiative) is what we’re interested in.”

However, not everyone is pleased with the direction being taken.

Directors Gyula Kiss and Mike Macnabb voted against scrapping the function.

“I support having air quality and we should be at the table. To pull out is disingenuous,” said Macnabb.

“We should hang our heads in shame on this one.”

While Macnabb agrees that being part of the Okanagan Airshed Coalition is positive, he insists there are specific matters pertaining to the North Okanagan and that requires a staff person addressing them.

“We should work on local issues. It’s a step backwards,” he said.

Planning: (Unweighted Vote)

6.4 Report regarding endorsement of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen - Regional Growth Strategy Bylaw No. 2421, 2007 (All Directors)

Staff report dated February 15, 2010 highlighted a letter from the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen requesting the Regional District of Central Okanagan to formally accept their Regional Growth Strategy.

The Board expressed concern considering projected population projections and climate change that under Vision and Approach (Pg 8) no reference is being made to water, air and social concerns.

BAKER/FINDLATER
THAT the Regional Board of the Regional District of Central Okanagan endorses the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen Regional Growth Strategy Bylaw No 2421, 2007 as required under Section 857(3) of the Local Government Act.

AND FURTHER THAT the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen consider further work in the areas of air, water and social concerns.

CARRIED

Item 6.1 Regional Air Quality Program.pdf

6. Regional Air Quality

6.1 Nicole Marzinzik, Regional Air Quality Coordinator re: 2009 Year-end Summary and 2010 Program Summary and Draft Budget

It was noted that the Regional Air Quality program is a joint initiative between the Regional District (electoral areas), City of Kelowna, Districts of Peachland, West Kelowna and Lake Country. The Regional District's air quality service is contracted out to the City of Kelowna. Regional Air Quality Coordinator, Nicole Marzinzik's, report dated February 11, 2010 provided a year-end summary of the program, including the 2010 initiatives and draft budget.

#GS09/10 EDGSON/SHEPHERD
THAT the Regional Air Quality program 2009 Year-end summary, 2010 Program Summary and 2010 draft budget be received for information.

CARRIED

Air Quality Coordinator Announced

The Regional Board has received information about the appointment of the new Regional Air Quality Coordinator from the City of Kelowna which provides the air quality service on contract to the Regional District. Nicole Marzinzik recently held a similar position with the North Okanagan Regional District.

Item 3.2 City of Kelowna-Air Quality Coordinator.pdf

November 25, 2009

Robert Hobson Chair, Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC,
V1W 3Z4

Dear Mr. Hobson,

Re: Air Quality Coordinator position

It is my pleasure to introduce the newest member of our staff who is formally taking on responsibility for the Air Quality function provided by the City of Kelowna to the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

Nicole Marzinzik joined us as our Air Quality Coordinator (Environment Tech II) as of November 16, 2009. Nicole has a strong background in Air Quality in the region, most recently coordinating the Air Quality program in the North Okanagan. Prior to that, Nicole was Waste Reduction Coordinator for the Regional District of North Okanagan and previously worked for the Regional Waste Reduction Office in Kelowna. Nicole also worked for the City of Kelowna in 1998, doing research used to develop our regional Air Quality program.

The Air Quality Coordinator is accountable for coordinating the strategies and programs developed under the regional Air Quality program which ensures achievement of the region's air quality management objectives for protection and improvement of air quality in the Central Okanagan Regional District. This includes delivering programs such as the Agricultural Wood
Waste Chipping Program and Wood Stove Exchange program, among many others. She will also fulfill an active educational and social marketing role, and will be the local technical expert on air quality issues.

Nicole will be the main contact for Air Quality issues and will work with RDCO staff to deliver the function efficiently and effectively. She will report to Jerry Dombowsky, Regional Programs Manager, and will rely on his overall direction to fulfill her job duties.

Thank you;

Jerry Dombowsky
Regional Programs Manager

cc: Director, Regional Services

3.2 City of Kelowna re: Hiring of an Air Quality Coordinator (Regional District contract to the City of Kelowna for the Regional Air Quality Service)

City of Kelowna letter of November 25, 2009 confirmed the appointment of a new staff person, Nicole Marzinzik, who will be responsible for carrying out the Regional District's contract for service of the regional air quality program.

It was noted that the Regional District Chairs, municipal mayors and CAOs have had preliminary discussions on a possible new method for providing air quality service to the three regional districts. Further review and discussion will continue over the next year.

SHEPHERD/RULE
THAT the November 25,2009 letter from the City of Kelowna announcing the hiring of an Air Quality Coordinator for the Regional District's contract to the City of Kelowna for the Regional Air Quality Service be received.

CARRIED

Airshed Coalition Memorandum Supported

The Regional Board has approved renewing the Memorandum of Understanding for the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition for another three years. The Board will write to the North Okanagan and Okanagan-Similkameen regional districts
encouraging their continued support for the interjurisdictional organization. The coalition partnership works to improve outdoor air quality across the three regions in order to improve the health and quality of life of all residents through cooperative clean air programs, funding and research.

1.1 Regional Air Quality Service

a) Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition - Recommendation to sign the Memorandum of Understanding for a 3-year period

EDGSON/SHEPHERD
THAT the Regional Board support renewal of the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition (OSAC) Memorandum of Understanding for a period of up to three years;

AND FURTHER THAT the Regional District send a letter to the Board of the Regional District of North Okanagan and Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen encouraging their regional district's to sign on for a three year term.

CARRIED

6. Regional Air Quality Service

6.1 Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition - Recommendation to sign the Memorandum of Understanding for a 3-year period

The Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition (OSAC) at its last meeting discussed the desire to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for more than one year. For the last two years the MOU has been signed annually.

As noted in the MOU, there is no financial commitment for the Regional Districts to sign the MOU. Staff time in terms of administrative and clerical support for the Coalition is 'in kind'. An agreement from each Regional District is required for Provincial or Federal grant applications for funding the airshed research and emission reduction programs.

#GS98/09 EDGSON/SHEPHERD
THAT the Governance and Services Committee recommends the Regional Board support renewal of the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition (OSAC) Memorandum of Understanding for a period of up to three years;

AND FURTHER THAT the Regional District send a letter to the Board of the Regional District of North Okanagan and Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen encouraging their regional districts to sign on for a three-year term.

CARRIED

6.7 Bylaw Enforcement Officer Appointments (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)

SHEPHERD/RULE
THAT Wendy Leskosek and Frans Pynappels be appointed as Bylaw Enforcement Officers and Dog Control Officers for dog control bylaws and dog related issues of the Parks Bylaws.

CARRIED

6.8 City of Kelowna Bylaw Enforcement Officer Appointments (All Directors Unweighted Vote)

SHEPHERD/OPHUS
THAT the following City of Kelowna bylaw enforcement officers be appointed as Regional District of Central Okanagan bylaw enforcement officers for the purpose of enforcement of Regional District of Central Okanagan Smoke Control Regulatory Bylaw No. 773 within the jurisdiction of the City of Kelowna:

1. Ken Black
2. Kevin England
3. Tracey Krenn
4. Len Ingvarsson
5. Robert Schewe
6. Greg Wise

CARRIED

Wood Burning and the BC Building Code

The Regional Board supports a recommendation from the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition to request the Provincial Government update the BC Building Code. The Coalition says the Building Code does not include the BC Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation that has been in place since 1994 in the Province. The regulation only allows the
sale of wood burning appliances that meet Canadian Standards Association or U-S Environmental Protection Association emission requirements. As a result, the coalition says there is nothing in the BC Building Code that prevents uncertified wood burning appliances from being installed in new or renovated buildings, unless a local government has created a more stringent bylaw.

8. NEW BUSINESS

8.1 Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition - Request for support of BC Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation and the BC Building Code (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)

In its minutes of June 24, 2009 the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition requested the support of the three Okanagan regional districts to send a letter to the Ministries of Healthy Living & Sport, Housing & Social Development and the Environment stating the following:

• That the Emission Standards of BC be referenced in the BC Building
  Code;

• That the BC Building Code specify that solid fuel burning appliances that
  area installed, must be appliances that can be legally sold in BC as
  referenced in the BC Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation.

SHEPHERD/RULE
THAT the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition minutes of June 24, 2009 be received

CARRIED

SHEPHERD/BAKER
THAT the Regional Board of the Regional District of Central Okanagan supports the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition's recommendation in its minutes of June 24, 2009 to send a letter to the Province (Ministries of Healthy Living & Sport, Housing & Social Development and the Environment) stating the following:

• That the Emission Standards of BC be referenced in the BC Building Code;

• That the BC Building Code specify that solid fuel burning appliances that are installed must be appliances that can be legally sold in BC as referenced in the BC Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation.

CARRIED

Chair Hobson left the meeting at 10:33 a.m., Director Baker chaired the meeting.

6. Air Quality

6.1 Update on Regional Air Quality Programs

Staff report dated Jun 4, 2009 updated the committee on the regional air quality programs including:

• Wood Stove change-out program
  o Program is funded through a $65,00 Ministry of Environment grant
  o 68 wood stove change-outs were completed in 2009
  o 70 people attended the burning workshop

• Cash for Clunkers Vehicle Scrappage Program
  o Province is the funding partner for the program (previously it was a federally funded program).
     There has been a delay in the implementation of the program this year. It is expected the
     program will be rolled out in the Okanagan next year.

• Orchard Chipping Program
  o 14 orchards will be chipped this year.
  o Program is for replanting of orchards.
  o $80,000 in funding is provided by the Regional District.

• Air quality monitoring results
  o Technical difficulties so no results available.

• Central Okanagan Regional Air Quality Management Plan (blueprint for the Okanagan)
  o The Plan has been adopted by the Regional Board
  o The goals of the Plan were reviewed.

ACTION: Circulate the Air Quality Management Plan to the new Board members

• Okanagan Airshed Coalition update provided.

Directors Shepherd and Edgson are the Central Okanagan's representatives on the Coalition. It was noted that the North Okanagan Regional District has yet to sign the MOU (they have signed in the past). The Coalition will continue to review this issue and discuss options. Open smoke regulations recommendation are being reviewed by the Coalition.

The question was raised regarding the Cash for Clunkers program and whether there will ever be the ability to pull 'polluting vehicles' off the road. It was noted there are no regulations to allow this to occur. The program here has been very successful in the past, but it is voluntary and depends upon funding. The Federal funding was always used up qUickly with advertising and incentives. Ideas for the Coalition to pursue include issues such as: gas lawn mower exchange, lobbying for AirCare program to be continued and expanded, wood fireplace exchange programs.

#GS49/09 SHEPHERD/FINDLATER

THAT the June 4, 2009 Regional Air Quality program update be received.

CARRIED

Wood Burning Appliance Action

The Regional Board has ordered a North Westside property owner to take remedial action regarding an unauthorized wood burning appliance. The property owner has 30 days to either have the device certified as a solid fuel-fired central heating appliance and obtain a building permit for it, or remove and destroy it. If those actions aren’t taken, the Regional District
will remove the unauthorized wood burning appliance at the expense of the property owner. A building permit was never issued for the appliance and there has not been any documentation presented that the device is certified.

Airshed Coalition Memorandum Signed

The Regional Board has approved signing a one year extension to the Okanagan-Similkameen Airshed
Coalition Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Two elected directors from each the three regional districts are appointed to the Coalition board. The
updated MOU recognizes the important expertise provided by stakeholders and invites their participation in meetings, public workshops, educational programs and other air quality initiatives.

The Coalition has been in place for six years.

8. NEW BUSINESS

8.1 Memorandum of Understanding - Okanagan-Similkameen Airshed Coalition (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)

Staff report dated April 20th outlined the recommended changes to the MOU including:

• Name change from Okanagan Airshed Coalition to Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition to reflect all members and areas.

• Under "Coalition Committee Structure"
  "The Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition Committee will meet four times per year to focus on Okanagan Similkameen Airshed management issues."
  Add: meet a minimum of four times.

8. NEW BUSINESS

8.1 Memorandum of Understanding - Okanagan-Similkameen Airshed Coalition (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)

Staff report dated April 20th outlined the recommended changes to the MOU including:

• Name change from Okanagan Airshed Coalition to Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition to reflect all members and areas.

• Under "Coalition Committee Structure"
  "The Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition Committee will meet four times per year to focus on Okanagan Similkameen Airshed management issues."
  Add: meet a minimum of four times.

• Under "Coalition Guidelines", No.4:
  "The OSACC may utilize the expertise of stakeholders, and that the stakeholders will be asked to participate in meetings, in planning for projects, public workshops, educational programs, public displays, preparing media releases and other air quality initiatives."

• Under "Coalition Guidelines", NO.9:
  "This Memorandum of Understanding will be updated within one year." (from "reviewed every three years")

EDGSON/GIVEN
THAT the Regional Board of the Regional District of Central Okanagan approves signing of the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition Memorandum of Understanding for a period of one year, as amended.

• Under "Coalition Committee Structure"
  ''The Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition Committee will meet a minimum of four times per year to focus on Okanagan Similkameen Airshed management issues."

CARRIED

3. Delegation

3.1 Grant Lawrence, Okanagan Residential Communities Against the Proliferation of Urban Mining Practices Grant Lawrence and Heather Larratt addressed the committee. The organization had previously addressed the Board last February and wished to update the committee on progress since that time.

• What's new since February 2008: lower demand in aggregate with slow down in the economy, Fraser Valley Pilot Project not yet complete.
• Community remains in the dark regarding what the Province's plan is for the future of aggregate mining including whether a pilot project will be done in the Central Okanagan.
• Provided update on what aggregate mining is being done in the valley including areas in Peachland, Joe Rich, Lake Country.
• Highlighted impacts of dust on health and groundwater. Suggested monitoring of dust in areas where aggregate mining occurs.
• A mine plan should be "flexible, technically competent business smart and respectful of the community and the environment" out of the mining's guide best practices.
• Three zone model for the Central Okanagan reviewed.

It was noted the aggregate study previously completed by the Regional District was to be updated as part of the Regional Growth Strategy update.

Discussion:
o UBC-O might be interested in being involved in air quality monitoring. Director Shepherd will follow up with UBC-O and the Okanagan Airshed Coalition.
o Nothing will happen until the provincial election is completed and a minister is named.
o Believe the Province does not need to wait until the Fraser Valley pilot study is completed before beginning a study in the Central Okanagan. This is a different area worthy of a study.
o Soil removal bylaw has been on hold as Ministry staff felt it should wait until the Fraser Valley report is completed. Provincial staff have said they will come back to the Board once the pilot study is completed.
o Legislation is outdated. Municipalities/regional districts are not part of the decision making process.
o Some gravel pit operations do operate effectively including dust control and noise, etc. It is up to the pit operator to continually monitor these issues.
o The Regional District could strike a committee to design a three-zone study at the same time as reviewing what options are available to local governments to limit the issues around aggregate mining.

#GS26/09 HAYES/BAKER
THAT the Governance and Services Committee recommends that the Regional Board directs a letter be sent to the Province stating that although the Fraser Valley Pilot Study on aggregate has not yet been completed, and that as Central Okanagan is a completely different region with different issues, the Regional Board requests the Province immediately initiate an aggregate three-zone pilot project in the Central Okanagan;

AND THAT any new aggregate applications be put on hold until a pilot study is initiated in the Central Okanagan;

Amendment to the main motion

FIELDING/SHEPHERD

AND FURTHER THAT the Province consider redrafting legislation governing approvals for gravel extraction to incorporate issues such as health and environmental concerns, the referral process and the social impact to residents.

Amendment CARRIED
Main motion CARRIED

Further discussion ensued regarding the need to update the Central Okanagan Growth Management Strategy - Aggregate Supply and Demand Study (June 2000). Next steps: direct staff to report on how to proceed including what issues could be done immediately, committee process, committee membership including why individuals are being recommended, stakeholder involvement, timing, costs and staff allocation required.

#GS27/09 SHEPHERD/EDGSON
THAT the Governance and Services Committee recommends that the Regional Board consider forming a committee to review updating the Central Okanagan Growth Management Strategy - Aggregate Supply and Demand Study;

AND FURTHER that staff be directed to review the previous process (2000) and report back to the Governance and Services Committee on next steps inclUding: identifying costs, membership of the committee, and stakeholder involvement.

CARRIED

ACTION: Director Reid to forward aggregate conservation strategy information from Ontario to staff for distribution to the Regional Board.

Provincial Government Funding

The Regional Board has received a letter from Community Development Minister Kevin Kruger advising of some Federal-Provincial cost-sharing funds for the Central Okanagan.

• Town for Tomorrow - $400,000 for development of wells for the North Westside Water System project.
• Strategic Community Investment Fund – first instalment of $143,191
• Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program - $3,373 for carbon taxes paid by the Regional District

d) Clean Air Forum

Director Edgson noted that at the recently attended BC Clean Air Forum there was discussion regarding changes to outdoor burning regulations.

EDGSON/SHEPHERD
THAT staff clarify with the Province any changes to regulations for outdoor burning in follow-up to discussions at the Clean Air Forum.

CARRIED

Interior Health’s senior medical health officer is not surprised by a new report which says as many as 21,000 Canadians will die prematurely this year because of the effects of air pollution.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all. As a matter of fact I think over the last few years there has been a significant expansion of our understanding of the impacts of poor air quality on health,” Dr. Paul Hasselback said.

He added that gone are the days when people could assume air quality was fine until an alert saying otherwise was issued.

The Canadian Medical Association released the report, No Breathing Room: National Illness Costs of Air Pollution, on Wednesday.

“With the start of the Olympics in Beijing, much has been made about the poor air quality in China and the effect it is having on our athletes,” said CMA president Dr. Brian Day.

“But we have a serious home-grown pollution problem right here and Canadians, ranging from the very young to the very old, are paying the price.”

The report found that while most of this year’s air pollution-related deaths will be the result of chronic exposure over many years, almost 3,000 cases will be from acute short-term exposure.

It predicts that by 2031, almost 90,000 people in Canada will die from the acute effects of air pollution and 710,000 will die from long-term exposure.

Air pollution is known to have negative effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

The CMA report says 42 per cent of air pollution-related acute premature deaths will be the result of cardiovascular disease.

It expects the number of premature deaths related to chronic exposure to air pollution in Canada to rise 83 per cent between 2008 and 2031.

During that same time, the accumulated negative economic impact of air pollution is predicted to go from $10 billion to over $300 billion.

The report says there will be 306 acute premature deaths related to air pollution in B.C. this year, along with 1,158 hospital admissions and 8,763 emergency department visits.

By 2031 those totals are expected to rise to 585 acute premature deaths, 1,985 hospital admissions and 14,975 emergency department visits, further stressing our health care system.

Hasselback said residents of the Okanagan are relatively lucky when it comes to air quality.

However, “we live in a valley and that valley is subjected at certain times to what meteorologists call inversions and it traps poor air quality,” he said.

“And we keep adding to that by using vehicles, burning wood fuels (and emitting) other types of pollutants that get into the air.”

On top of the pollution generated locally, pollutants from far away can travel here and get trapped, as happened recently with the forest fires burning in California.

People with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, as well as the elderly and young children are most at risk from air pollution.

Hasselback suggested people become familiar with the air quality index at www.airhealthbc.ca and at what point poor air quality affects their health.

“And for those who do have chronic diseases (they should) have discussions with their health care provider on what, if any changes need to be made to their treatment regimes to manage poor air quality days,” he said.

Interior Health’s senior medical health officer is not surprised by a new report which says as many as 21,000 Canadians will die prematurely this year because of the effects of air pollution.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all. As a matter of fact I think over the last few years there has been a significant expansion of our understanding of the impacts of poor air quality on health,” Dr. Paul Hasselback said.

He added that gone are the days when people could assume air quality was fine until an alert saying otherwise was issued.

The Canadian Medical Association released the report, No Breathing Room: National Illness Costs of Air Pollution, on Wednesday.

“With the start of the Olympics in Beijing, much has been made about the poor air quality in China and the effect it is having on our athletes,” said CMA president Dr. Brian Day. “But we have a serious home-grown pollution problem right here and Canadians, ranging from the very young to the very old, are paying the price.”

The report found that while most of this year’s air pollution-related deaths will be the result of chronic exposure over many years, almost 3,000 cases will be from acute short-term exposure.

It predicts that by 2031, almost 90,000 people in Canada will die from the acute effects of air pollution and 710,000 will die from long-term exposure.

Air pollution is known to have negative effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The CMA report says 42 per cent of air pollution-related acute premature deaths will be the result of cardiovascular disease.

It expects the number of premature deaths related to chronic exposure to air pollution in Canada to rise 83 per cent between 2008 and 2031.

During that same time, the accumulated negative economic impact of air pollution is predicted to go from $10 billion to over $300 billion.

The report says there will be 306 acute premature deaths related to air pollution in B.C. this year, along with 1,158 hospital admissions and 8,763 emergency department visits.

By 2031 those totals are expected to rise to 585 acute premature deaths, 1,985 hospital admissions and 14,975 emergency department visits, further stressing our health care system.

Hasselback said residents of the Okanagan are relatively lucky when it comes to air quality.

However, “we live in a valley and that valley is subjected at certain times to what meteorologists call inversions and it traps poor air quality,” he said, “And we keep adding to that by using vehicles, burning wood fuels (and emitting) other types of pollutants that get into the air.”

On top of the pollution generated locally, pollutants from far away can travel here and get trapped, as happened recently with the forest fires burning in California.

People with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, as well as the elderly and young children are most at risk from air pollution.

Hasselback suggested people become familiar with the air quality index at www.airhealthbc.ca and at what point poor air quality affects their health.

“And for those who do have chronic diseases (they should) have discussions with their health care provider on what, if any changes need to be made to their treatment regimes to manage poor air quality days,” he said.

adrian"at"kelownacapnews.com

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/air/vehicle/

Interior Health’s senior medical health officer is not surprised by a new report which says as many as 21,000 Canadians will die prematurely this year because of the effects of air pollution.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all. As a matter of fact I think over the last few years there has been a significant expansion of our understanding of the impacts of poor air quality on health,” Dr. Paul Hasselback said.

He added that gone are the days when people could assume air quality was fine until an alert saying otherwise was issued.

The Canadian Medical Association released the report, No Breathing Room: National Illness Costs of Air Pollution, on Wednesday.

“With the start of the Olympics in Beijing, much has been made about the poor air quality in China and the effect it is having on our athletes,” said CMA president Dr. Brian Day.

“But we have a serious home-grown pollution problem right here and Canadians, ranging from the very young to the very old, are paying the price.”

The report found that while most of this year’s air pollution-related deaths will be the result of chronic exposure over many years, almost 3,000 cases will be from acute short-term exposure.

It predicts that by 2031, almost 90,000 people in Canada will die from the acute effects of air pollution and 710,000 will die from long-term exposure.

Air pollution is known to have negative effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

The CMA report says 42 per cent of air pollution-related acute premature deaths will be the result of cardiovascular disease.

It expects the number of premature deaths related to chronic exposure to air pollution in Canada to rise 83 per cent between 2008 and 2031.

During that same time, the accumulated negative economic impact of air pollution is predicted to go from $10 billion to over $300 billion.

The report says there will be 306 acute premature deaths related to air pollution in B.C. this year, along with 1,158 hospital admissions and 8,763 emergency department visits.

By 2031 those totals are expected to rise to 585 acute premature deaths, 1,985 hospital admissions and 14,975 emergency department visits, further stressing our health care system.

Hasselback said residents of the Okanagan are relatively lucky when it comes to air quality.

However, “we live in a valley and that valley is subjected at certain times to what meteorologists call inversions and it traps poor air quality,” he said.

“And we keep adding to that by using vehicles, burning wood fuels (and emitting) other types of pollutants that get into the air.”

On top of the pollution generated locally, pollutants from far away can travel here and get trapped, as happened recently with the forest fires burning in California.

People with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, as well as the elderly and young children are most at risk from air pollution.

Hasselback suggested people become familiar with the air quality index at www.airhealthbc.ca and at what point poor air quality affects their health.

“And for those who do have chronic diseases (they should) have discussions with their health care provider on what, if any changes need to be made to their treatment regimes to manage poor air quality days,” he said.

Conclusions reviewed: good work has been done; reduction strategies to be implemented but many rely on senior government financial and regulatory support; significant support from senior government seems to be forthcoming;
coordination with other airsheds in province on education program and emission reductions in specific sectors sill reduce the burden on the Coalition; goals and performance measures can be fine-tuned; most emission reduction strategies can and should be implemented valley-wide and doing so would benefit the entire airshed.

2.0 AIR QUALITY IN THE CENTRAL OKANAGAN
The Central Okanagan’s air quality compares favourably to that of other similar sized Canadian cities.

However, we still do not meet our ambient air quality objectives all of the time. Air quality monitoring in the Central Okanagan reveals that of the six air pollutants measured; only particulate matter exceeded provincial air quality objectives.

Main Pollutants
What are the main pollutants? The two air pollutants of greatest concern in the Central Okanagan are Particulate Matter (PM) and Ozone (O3), because they are widespread and can have serious impacts on our health and environment. There are also several other pollutants to be concerned about, which are described in Table 1.

9. NEW BUSINESS

9.1 Okanagan Airshed Coalition – Support for an Okanagan Valley-wide Air Quality Management Plan (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)

The April 5, 2007 report outlined the plans of the Okanagan Airshed Coalition for an Okanagan Valley-wide Air Quality Management Plan. The Coalition has received a grant of $20,000 for development of the Plan.

#171/07 KNOWLES/SHEPHERD
THAT the Regional Board of the Regional District of Central Okanagan supports the development of an Okanagan Valley-Wide Air Quality Management Plan by the Okanagan Airshed Coalition.

AND FURTHER THAT the Regional Board supports the funding request to the Ministry of Environment by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen on behalf of the Okanagan Airshed Coalition for the development of an Okanagan-Similkameen Valleywide Air Quality Management Plan.

CARRIED