Improving Air Quality In The Southwest Greater Toronto Area
November 24, 2009 1:00 PM
McGuinty Government Sets Up Task Force Led By Dr. David Balsillie
Dr. David Balsillie will lead the development of a comprehensive action plan to reduce emissions from local industry, traffic, residences, and transboundary sources to improve air quality in the Southwest Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The plan will include targets for improving air quality, strategies and timelines for reducing emissions, and requirements for reporting on the progress of implementing the action plan. It will also make recommendations for ongoing oversight and accountability in carrying out the plan.
A highly respected expert in air quality issues, Dr. Balsillie will be assisted by a community advisory committee and will consult with municipalities, health units, industry, local community groups and residents' associations. The final report with its comprehensive action plan will be ready by the end of June 2010.
The one-person task force is part of the Ontario government's plan to reduce emissions and industrial energy use in the Southwest GTA. The task force plan will build on the Clarkson Airshed Study. This study looked at how emissions from sources within and outside the study area contribute to the air quality in the Clarkson area, including identifying major sources of target air pollutants and looking at data from monitoring and air quality modeling.
A highly respected expert in air quality issues, Dr. Balsillie will be assisted by a community advisory committee and will consult with municipalities, health units, industry, local community groups and residents' associations. The final report with its comprehensive action plan will be ready by the end of June 2010.
The one-person task force is part of the Ontario government's plan to reduce emissions and industrial energy use in the Southwest GTA. The task force plan will build on the Clarkson Airshed Study. This study looked at how emissions from sources within and outside the study area contribute to the air quality in the Clarkson area, including identifying major sources of target air pollutants and looking at data from monitoring and air quality modeling.
QUICK FACTS
- Since 2005, Ontario has introduced 59 new or updated air standards.
- Ontario set tough limits on two key smog-causing pollutants to cut emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 21 per cent and sulphur dioxide (SO2) by 46 per cent by the year 2015.
- The Ministry of the Environment is working with the community and industry to address local air quality in the Clarkson area.
LEARN MORE
Ministry of the Environment
ontario.ca/environment
ontario.ca/environment
"The task force will give us a plan to achieve real improvements in air quality in the Southwest GTA. By working together, we can reduce the risks from air pollutants to our health, the health of our children and our environment."
– John Gerretsen
Minister of the Environment
"The task force will produce a forward-looking document that provides solutions to long-debated problems in the Southwest GTA. It is crucial that I hear from all quarters of the community about ideas for enhancing air quality and that measurable goals for improvement are set."
– Dr. David Balsillie
Chair, Southwest GTA Air Quality Task Force
Communities
