Access to reliable air quality information is critical for protecting public health, particularly as wildfire smoke and other environmental pressures increasingly affect communities across Alberta. For many rural and resource-adjacent communities in west-central Alberta, consistent local monitoring and trusted interpretation of air quality data are essential for informed decision-making.
For nearly three decades, the West Central Airshed Society (WCAS) has provided this foundation through continuous monitoring, public education, and community partnerships. As Alberta’s first airshed, WCAS helped establish the community-based monitoring model that is now used across the province. Today, the organization operates 11 continuous air monitoring stations and dozens of additional sensor sites that provide real-time data on pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide.
The data supports the Air Quality Health Index and helps residents, municipalities, schools, and employers respond to poor air quality events, including wildfire smoke. By providing trusted information and practical guidance, WCAS continues to strengthen community resilience and protect the health of communities across west-central Alberta.
