The Peace Airshed Zone Association wants the city to commit to be part of their organization. Executive Director Elizabeth Bell says their annual budget is around $1 million and to be part of the air quality conversation in the region, the city of Grande Prairie would have to contribute $21,000. The cost is based on a population count.
“They have never been a fully contributing member. They have been members of the board of directors for the past two years. We have reached out to them to get them to get to know us, to find out more about what we do, we have asked them to join our organization as a member.”
Although there is no consequences for not joining, Bell explains that a chunk of the population goes unrepresented without the city on board.
PAZA is responsible for monitoring air quality in the region.
“Is the air safe? Is it healthy or are we at risk? Our organization has been able to provide that data and to provide some assurance to the community, the public, industry and government that our air quality is pretty good in our region.”
The city of Grande Prairie will look at the cost associated with becoming a member in the fall budget on November 18th.
