Oakville introduces Ontario's first air quality by-law to protect community health
Council shows unanimous support for by-law at February 1 meeting
Oakville, February 3, 2010 - For Immediate Release
Town Council unanimously approved a health protection air quality by-law at its meeting Monday night, making it the first local government in Ontario to regulate air quality.
"Council has demonstrated tremendous forethought and courage in adopting this new policy," said Mayor Burton. "The community strongly supports this initiative to improve the town's air quality and Council is committed to working together with our local businesses to help them reduce their emissions of fine particulate matter."
At the meeting, councillors expressed their support for the by-law and thanked their colleagues, staff and residents for their efforts and input during the development of the health protection air quality by-law.
"I believe that this by-law will protect the health and well being of our community," said Councillor Allan Elgar, in support of the by-law. "This wouldn't have happened without Mayor Burton's leadership."
Fine particulate matter is not currently regulated by both the federal or provincial government and the health protection air quality by-law addresses gaps in current environmental regulations.
"Halton Regional Council passed a motion three years ago asking the provincial government to strengthen local air quality standards, but no action was taken," said Mayor Burton. "The Province specifically gave municipalities the power to enact by-laws to protect the health and safety of their community, and that's what we've done."
For more information on the health protection air quality by-law, visit the town's website.
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For more information:
Mark De Paoli
Executive Assistant to the Mayor
Office of The Mayor
Phone: 905-845-6601 ext 3445
E-Mail: mdepaoli@oakville.ca
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