About Us

Membership

Benefit from being a member of Alberta's first Airshed.

Trusted Partner

Providing trusted data since 1995

Alberta's Airshed Model originated in WCAS, and facilitates a diverse, collaborative approach to air quality management in our region.

WCAS provides:

  • Air quality information, including the Air Quality Health index (AQHI)
  • Science-based and data-driven air quality expertise
  • Impartial and credible voice for monitoring, reporting and educating about outdoor air quality
  • Effective response to community inquiries and support of citizen involvement
  • Networking opportunities with like-minded organizations and individuals

Multiple Perspectives

Working with our members

Our membership consists of industry, municipal, non-governmental organizations, teachers, community groups, and other stakeholders. Our primary responsibility is to monitor, analyze and report on air quality in west central Alberta. We also play important roles supporting our members and engaging with communities to increase understanding of air quality.

See Current WCAS Members
  • Industry members

While membership in Airsheds is a regulatory requirement for most large emitters, many industries choose to participate so they can access invaluable air quality expertise and resources, and show their commitment to community well-being. Industry members pay membership fees based on their annual emissions.

Industry members pay membership fees based on their annual emissions, according to Alberta’s “Emitters’ Pay” principle (outlined in the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act).

Benefits of WCAS Membership

  • Fulfil regulatory obligations for air quality monitoring and reporting
  • Access to detailed air monitoring data reported by WCAS using customized, interactive technology
  • Liaise with other stakeholders from government, municipalities, communities, academia, and other industry sectors
  • Gain insights into air quality trends, emerging technology, and opportunities for collaboration
  • Participation and support for outreach activities and community/school events
  • Public trust of monitoring locations and data due to transparent, multi-stakeholder oversight
  • Shared expertise and resources form Alberta’s Airshed community
  • Financial savings from not-for-profit approach and economies of scale
  • As most exceedances to Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives are a result of area-wide or background sources, exceedance notifications are reported by, and ascribed to, WCAS as a whole

Expertise and experience of Airsheds is unparalleled. WCAS has been in operation for 30 years and is part of the Alberta Airsheds Council alongside Alberta’s other nine Airsheds. WCAS welcomes industry members who recognize the benefit of the Alberta Airshed Model.

  • Municipal members

Our urban and rural municipalities are valued partners and participate as WCAS members voluntarily. By working closely with communities, WCAS can play an integral role in addressing local air quality concerns.

Benefits of WCAS Membership

  • Support for effective public engagement on air quality and odour issues
  • Cost effective solutions for meeting environmental responsibilities
  • Access to air quality expertise, important for municipalities with limited resources
  • Consistent messaging and support for residents in the region regarding air quality, including AQHI
  • An important connection between air quality and land use planning
  • Forum to work with other stakeholders and neighbouring municipalities on air quality issues
  • Connection with regulatory and legislative bodies
  • Monthly and annual reports that provide highlights and analyses of air quality monitoring
  • NGO & Public Members

Local organizations involved in air quality management, monitoring, or education, as well as individual members of the public are encouraged to become members at a low cost.

Local knowledge and opinions are invaluable to WCAS.

Benefits of WCAS Membership

  • Forum to actively participate in discussions between other sectors
  • Opportunity to express individual views and community interests
  • Equal sharing of information and views through a consensus decision-making process which creates a level playing field for all sectors
  • Engage in research and pilot projects with other members and post-secondary institutions
  • Government Partners

Alberta Environment & Protected Areas and representatives from other Departments participate in and support WCAS. Funding for WCAS from the Government of Alberta comes in the form of grants that help cover core operations and community outreach initiatives.

Benefits of WCAS Partnership

  • Demonstrated record of cost effectiveness
  • Attraction of volunteers and significant in-kind contributions
  • Ability to leverage government contributions from other sources

Well Connected

Connect with WCAS about membership, events, and air quality information