Council discussed during its June 12 meeting whether the municipality should become a member of the Parkland Airshed Management Zone at a cost of about $1,100.
The group is a multi-stakeholder, non-profit organization consisting of industry, provincial government departments, local government, and environmental non-government organizations. PAMZ was formed in 1997 to monitor and manage air quality within the west central region of Alberta, administration outlined in its report to council.
"What exactly do we get for that membership?" inquired Coun. Chris Vardas. "What's the purpose in joining?"
Administrator Linda Nelson said PAMZ is an environmental sustainability initiative set up to study and monitor the air quality in the zone, which is essentially a 42,000-square-kilometre region of Alberta that reaches about as far to the northwest as Jasper National Park, southwest to Banff National Park, and as far to the northeast as past Ponoka, as well as near Three Hills and Crossfield in the southeast.
"They would bring back reports as well on the quality of air within our community," she said.
Mayor Terry Leslie noted that Mountain View County is not currently a sitting member, and council reached a consensus that additional information regarding what membership provides would be required before making any commitments.
"I would like to see more information about what we're paying for," said Coun. Verna McFadden.
Coun. Myron Thompson moved to accept the request as information and suggested administration further investigate before council decides whether to become a member, since gravel operations in the county, which is not a member, also have an impact on air quality.
"I would support that," said Leslie. "We don't have a budget for it."
Thompson's motion carried.
