Cleaner Air Spaces

What is a Cleaner Air Space?

Cleaner Air Spaces are publicly accessible indoor spaces with upgrades to air handling systems that provide improved interior air quality, and offer short-term relief during times of increased air quality risk.

Be Informed

During BC’s wildfire season, air quality conditions can change quickly and exposure to smoke may affect your health. 

There are a number of tools available to keep you informed:

• Air Quality and Health Index (AQHI) – Province of BC interactive map 
• AirMap – Metro Vancouver real-time air quality and weather data 
• Public Weather Alerts for BC – Environment and Climate Change Canada 
• FireWork Forecast  – Government of Canada’s National Wildfire Smoke Prediction System shows maps of predicted smoke impacts over the next 72 hours 
• Join the Metro Vancouver Air Quality and Climate Change Mailing List to sign up for air quality notifications for our area.

Staying Healthy During Smoky Conditions

The best way to protect against the potentially harmful effects of wildfire smoke is to reduce exposure and seek cleaner air spaces. 

When the Air Quality Health Index reading rises, consider the following actions:

• Where possible, reduce smoke exposure by staying indoors and limiting outdoor activity and exercise. 
• Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
• Keep windows and doors closed at home.
• If you have air conditioning or mechanical ventilation, set it to recirculation mode to reduce the amount of smoky outdoor air entering your home.
• If travelling in a vehicle with air conditioning, keep the windows up and the ventilation set to recirculate.
• If you use rescue medications, always carry them with you and ensure that you have a backup supply at home.
• Wear a well-fitted respirator or three-layer cloth or disposable mask when outdoors.
• Seek respite in public indoor places with filtered air, such as shopping malls, community centres, or libraries.
• Check in on neighbours, family members, and others who may need extra support and help them seek medical attention if needed. 
• Build your own air cleaner at home.

Coquitlam's Air Quality Response Planning

Wildfires are predicted to become more frequent and severe as the global climate changes. In 2019, in anticipation of the ongoing impacts of wildfires on local air quality, the City identified the need to establish cleaner air spaces in a number of civic facilities. 

Subsequent work has included adding charcoal filters to augment existing filtration, updating mechanical systems to provide the option of recirculating interior air, and installing air curtains to help better seal facility entrances. These efforts were endorsed as one of the key actions identified in the City of Coquitlam Climate Adaptation Strategic Plan (PDF), adopted in October 2020.

During periods of increased air quality risk, the City may activate Cleaner Air Spaces. These sites are not intended for overnight or extended stays. Public notification of these measures are communicated via Notify Me City News Alerts and social media channels.

Resources

• Wildfire Smoke - BC Centre for Disease Control’s Information and fact sheets about wildfire smoke and its health impacts, including How  to Prepare for the Wildfire Smoke Season
• Air Quality  –  Fraser Health’s Information and resources on air quality, including health effects from wildfire smoke
• Air Quality - Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Wildfires and Your Health - HealthLinkBC 
•  Particulate Matter and Outdoor Air Pollution with brochures in English, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese