Local Air Quality

Whistler’s air quality continues to be excellent during most of the year. Annual results for 2018 reflect the poor air quality experienced in Whistler during July and August 2018 when winds pushed smoke from interior BC fires into the community and southwestern BC. A total of 21 days experienced poor air quality due to wildfires. Despite these smoke events, the results are somewhat lower than the previous year which also experienced smoke from fires.

Why monitor this

Particulate matter (PM) is the term for particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke and liquid droplets. PM contributes to poor air quality which negatively affects human health, and is an important measure from both a health perspective as well as attractiveness as a resort destination. Particulate matter 2.5 measures locally based contributions with a threshold based on Provincial objectives.

What this measures

This indicator measures the annual average hourly concentration of particulate matter, a local air pollutant, in the air. Often related to energy use, burning and land disturbances or fires. The data is compiled by the BC Ministry of the Environment based off the monitoring equipment at Meadow Park.