Heartland 101

Air quality is considered the most important topic to the local community, according to a 2015 Life in the Heartland survey. As such, residents are keen to know how the region’s air quality is monitored.

It’s technology that exists today and is used in many countries, but surprisingly not in Canada. It’s the Wireless Public Alerting Service (WPAS), and until May 30th, Canadians have an opportunity to support its implementation in a Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) public consultation.

Rail lines have been transporting goods and people across Canada for over 130 years. Since the completion of the railway to the Pacific Ocean in 1885, rail has been a reliable means of transport. Currently, Canada’s railways move $282 billion worth of goods every year, making it one of the most important modes of transport for our economy.

Spring means the start of camping, soccer, and gardening. To the facilities in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, spring means the start of turnaround season and the continuation of construction projects.

Frosty temperatures can also influence air quality. Most of the time, local air quality is of low risk to health. However, it can rise to the medium and even high risk range due to cold weather, even if only for a few hours.

Just 31% of respondents in Life in the Heartland’s recent survey are aware of the safety action to take should a hazardous material be released into the atmosphere. If asked to Shelter in Place, would you know what to do?