The Sunshine Coast Clean Air Society (SCCAS) is holding its annual general meeting this Sunday, Feb. 22.
The meeting starts at 1 p.m. at the Stalashen Club House, located at 1585 Field Road in Wilson Creek. Keynote speaker is medical health officer Dr. Paul Martiquet, speaking about local air quality and your health.
At 2 p.m. society executive director Jools Andrés and expert contributors present Smart Home Heating, a roundup of products and techniques to reduce energy consumption, cut emissions, and save money. This 45-minute workshop is funded by the Ministry of Environment wood stove exchange program, which also offers financial incentive to upgrade inefficient wood heating systems with low-emissions replacements. To date the SCCAS has issued $250 rebates to nearly 300 Sunshine Coast residents. The program is currently underway, with about 50 per cent of our 2015 rebates completed.
The SCCAS was formed in March of 2002 and has since worked closely with jurisdictions of the Sunshine Coast to help shape their policy and support bylaw enactment leading to better air quality for residents, including open burning, emissions and cosmetic pesticide use bylaws.
This year the SCCAS is actively seeking funds from provincial agencies to establish long-term baseline monitoring in key locations. This is necessary to observe the effects of existing and future atmospheric projects and conditions so that environmental and human health can be protected.
SCCAS is also planning a public symposium in April (funded in part by the Sunshine Coast Regional District) addressing how Coastal residents can make changes in their daily lives that will improve the environment.
