Strathcona Area Air Quality Study
About the study
The Strathcona Area Air Quality Study assesses air quality conditions in and around the City of Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood, increases awareness and understanding of how air quality varies, and identifies opportunities for improvements. The study builds on the results of an air quality survey conducted by the Strathcona Residents Association in 2021. Air monitoring began in January 2023 and will continue until the end of 2024.
The study is co-chaired by the Strathcona Residents Association and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and supported by representatives from the City of Vancouver, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Metro Vancouver, the University of British Columbia, and Vancouver Coastal Health. The port authority is funding the study.
This two-year study assesses air quality across 18 sites around Strathcona using a network of low-cost monitoring devices that collectively measure the levels of four different air pollutants:
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
- Black carbon (BC)
Monitoring sites around Strathcona are shown below.
Air quality data from two types of monitoring devices used as part of the study is also available in real-time here:
Scope and objectives
- Monitor, assess, and characterize changes in air quality within the Strathcona area over the study period
- Identify, characterize, and assess potential contributions from port activities
- Identify potential opportunities to improve air quality
- Increase awareness and knowledge of local air quality
Milestones
2022:
*The study’s steering committee selected monitoring devices and locations
- Port authority hired air quality consulting firm WSP to develop and conduct the study
- The Strathcona Residents Association and the port authority introduced the study to community members at in-person events in June and October
- The first air quality monitors were installed around Strathcona
2023:
- Air quality monitoring began
- Additional air quality monitors were installed around Strathcona
2024:
- WSP completed the 2023 annual report documenting results from the first year of the study
- Strathcona residents are invited to attend an information session on November 28 to learn about the results from the first year of the study
Monitoring device specifications
- Types: Clarity Node S, PurpleAir, microAeth MA300, passive SO2 sampling
- Easy to install, maintain and retrieve data
- Cost-effective, allowing for more touchpoints throughout the community
Stay informed
We will continue to share study updates, results, and opportunities to provide feedback as they become available. To receive study updates, sign up to our newsletter.
To share your ideas on how we can best engage with community members, provide feedback, or ask a question, email community.feedback@portvancouver.com.
To learn more about air quality in Strathcona, visit the Strathcona Residents Association website.