The long-time problem of poor air quality in Smithers will be the topic of a public forum next week with an expert panel.
Councillor Greg Brown says it’s hard to pinpoint what’s to blame for poor air quality and subsequent health problems in town.
“It’s a shared responsibility from the provincial government, the municipal government and citizens. At the end of the day, we can set bylaws as a municipal government, but as people use wood stoves, do backyard burning – we’re all responsible for air pollution,” says Brown.
He says council hasn’t taken a stance on wood stove burning, but have completed a survey of wood appliances. Brown says right now it’s about education and identifying solutions.
“You can tell when people are burning wood incorrectly or correctly. all you have to do is look at their chimneys,” says Brown.
The forum with the BC Lung Association and Dr. Michael Braeur, a professor with the school of public health at the University of British Columbia, will be held at the Old Church Monday at 6:30 p.m.