A l b e r ta C a p i ta l A i r s h e d
Strategic Plan
2012 - 2015
This Strategic Plan is a living document and will be updated as the ACA grows. For the latest version, please ensure you visit our website at www.capitalairshed.ca
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Introduction The Alberta Capital Airshed (Society) is a notfor-profit, multi-stakeholder organization that monitors and provides public information on air quality, and facilitates dialogue among community, industrial and government stakeholders to manage air quality within the region. Our area roughly parallels that of the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area, in between the West Central Airshed Society to the west and the Fort Air Partnership to the north-east. We are one of the newest of nine airsheds in the province, who together serve as an air monitoring partnership for Albertans. Within the region, monitoring air quality is not new. In fact, the Alberta Capital Airshed’s area includes one of the first air quality monitoring networks in Alberta, the Strathcona Industrial Association. More recently, monitoring by others - municipal, industry, institutions have been added and one of the primary roles of the airshed is to bring the information together and ensure all stakeholders, including the public have access to it.
Our Strategic Plan While planning is important to any organization, it’s particularly vital for the Alberta Capital Airshed as a multi-stakeholder organization to be comprised of diverse members of the community. Our Strategic Plan is meant to serve as a roadmap for everyone engaged with us by providing objectives, tactics and performance indicators to help guide our collective efforts. The Alberta Capital Airshed is a relatively new player in the province so our plan, while future focussed, needs to remain flexible and responsive to the fast changing environment around us. Each year we will be able to strengthen and extend the plan.
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Focus Areas 1. Air Quality Monitoring a. Network assessment b. Collate and disseminate ambient air quality data c. Operate air quality monitoring stations d. Operate passive monitoring e. Mobile air quality monitoring 2. Air Quality Education a. Communications and outreach plan b. Web based repository of air quality information c. Odour management 3. Air Quality Management a. Capital Region Air Quality Management Framework b. Ozone Management Plan c. Air quality issues not covered by other plans/initiatives 4. Organizational Capacity a. Governance & human resources b. Membership c. Fund Raising
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1 Air Quality Monitoring Goal(s): • Provide real-time air quality information via publicly accessible website using relevant, available credible data • Expand current monitoring system to increase knowledge of air quality in the region
Tactic 1
Key Performance Indicator
Finalize network assessment
Stakeholders receive draft network assessment and are engaged in developing final assessment
Activities 2012
2013
2014
Stakeholders are identified
Assessment is submitted to AESRD for validation
Network assessment is updated via annexes to reflect new developments
Priority stakeholders (monitoring organizations) are individually engaged to provide feedback ACA facilitates a multistakeholder process to finalize assessment
Network assessment is published via website and distributed via email to stakeholders
Tactic 2
Collate ambient data from existing networks and stations within region and stream live on website
Key Performance Indicator
All regionally relevant, available and credible ambient air quality data is streamed on ACA’s website
Activities 2012
2013
2014
Submit a funding application to AESRD with all required material on time
Evaluate usage and solicit feedback from users on monitoring data web data
Evaluate usage and solicit feedback from users on monitoring data web data
Convene discussions with monitoring organizations
Develop and complete MOUs with monitoring organizations
Develop new website (develop and manage project plan), including AQHI Launch new website
Continual improvement
Continual improvement
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Tactic 3
Assume management of air monitoring stations
Key Performance Indicator
ACA will operate some or all AESRD stations within the region
Activities 2012
2013
2014
Initiate discussions with AESRD
ACA begins managing AESRD stations
Evaluation by ACA and AESRD of 1 year operations
Contract with AESRD is developed and signed
AQM technical committee is formed and terms of reference approved
ACA facilitates discussion with members to explore additional stations managed by ACA
RFP for contractor is issued Contractor is selected
Tactic 4
Key Performance Indicator
Passive Monitoring
ACA will operate a passive monitoring network
Activities 2012
2013
2014
Submit a funding application to AESRD with all required material on time
Analyze data and update the passive network and assess best possible locations for continuous monitors
Analyze data and update the passive network and assess best possible locations for continuous monitors
Develop passive monitoring plan (parameters to be monitored, location of deployment/density of network. RFP for contractor is issued RFP for contractor is issued Contractor is selected ACA begins passive monitoring network
Tactic 5
Innovative Community-Led Monitoring Projects (crowd sourced air quality monitoring).
Key Performance Indicator
ACA will support this innovative initiative in monitoring air quality data
Activities 2012
2013
Submit a funding application to AESRD with all required material on time for quality assurance/ quality control analysis of data
Mobile monitoring information is reported on website
Develop a plan to support implementation with partners
2014
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2 Air Quality Education Goal(s): • Increase air quality literacy of public in region • Facilitate access for members in topic-specific air quality educational opportunities
Tactic 1
Develop a communications and outreach plan
Key Performance Indicator
ACA has a communications plan, a new website and is endorsed by CASA
Activities 2012
2013
2014
Develop a plan that identifies primary stakeholders, objectives, strategies and tools
Update communications plan
Update communications plan
Participate in and support in promoting Clean Air Day
Participate in and support in promoting Clean Air Day
Develop a strategy to promote AQHI (eg media outlets) Participate in and support Clean Air Day
Provide support to municipalities and other agencies in education for anti-idling bylaws to provide consistency of implementation
Promote AQHI
Provide support to municipalities and other agencies in developing and delivering messaging around relevant air quality issues and solutions.
Tactic 2
Building a web-based repository of air quality educational information
Promote AQHI
Provide support to municipalities and other agencies in developing and delivering messaging around relevant air quality issues and solutions.
Key Performance Indicator
ACA website will have information/links for primary stakeholders (public, members, schools, etc.) on air quality
Activities 2012
2013
2014
Develop an air quality literacy baseline
Assess changes in air literacy from baseline year.
Assess changes in air literacy from baseline year.
Conduct a needs analysis with ACA members and other stakeholders
Develop an education framework based on results of needs analysis and air quality literacy study. Assess current resources and plan to disseminate
Develop section on website for educational ‘tools and resources’ Offer background information on AQHI
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Tactic 3
Key Performance Indicator
Odour Management
ACA will facilitate a workshop on odour management
Activities 2012
2013
2014
Plan odour management workshop for early 2013, including a discussion on next steps
Facilitate odour management workshop #2
Facilitate odour management workshop #3
Evaluate workshop and explore future needs.
Determine next steps with stakeholders/membership on improving odour management and response in the region.
Plan odour management workshop for early 2014
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3 Air Quality Management Goal(s): • Protect and improve air quality in the region • Facilitate communication and engagement amongst stakeholders
Tactic 1
Capital Region Air Quality Management Framework
Key Performance Indicator
ACA is actively engaged in framework development
Activities 2012
2013
2014
Continue to participate and support the framework development
Identify and communicate ACA’s capacity to provide leadership/ turn-key implementation platform for the CRAQMF
Identify and communicate ACA’s capacity to provide leadership/ turn-key implementation platform for the CRAQMF
Participate on implementation group –signal stakeholders that the ACA provides an excellent forum for implementation of the framework.
Tactic 2
Key Performance Indicator
Ozone Management Plan
ACA is actively engaged in CAP Ozone Management Plan
Activities 2012
2013
2014
Continue leading the Capital Air Partnership in progressing the Ozone Management Plan
Continue leading the Capital Air Partnership in progressing the Ozone Management Plan
Continue leading the Capital Air Partnership in progressing the Ozone Management Plan
Facilitate a stakeholder review of the plan
Integrate OMP into CRAQMP as opportunity arises
Tactic 3
Exploration of air quality issues not addressed by existing plans/other initiatives
Integrate OMP into CRAQMP as opportunity arises
Key Performance Indicator
ACA is engaged with its membership on identifying and addressing air quality issues not addressed in existing plans
Activities 2012
2013
2014
Determine areas of interest by members and stakeholders through engagement and plan to engage stakeholders
Determine areas of interest by members and stakeholders through engagement and plan to engage stakeholders
Determine areas of interest by members and stakeholders through engagement and plan to engage stakeholders
Participate in development of an odour management framework
Participate in development of an odour management framework
Participate in and/or initiate in CASA facilitated opportunities Determine feasibility of developing an odour management framework
Participate in and/or initiate in CASA facilitated opportunities
Participate in and/or initiate in CASA facilitated opportunities
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4 Organizational Capacity Goal(s): • Build and sustain an organization which is proactive, relevant and responsive
Tactic 1
Key Performance Indicator
Governance & Human Resources
ACA has an approved Board manual and strategic plan
Activities 2012 Develop a Board policies manual Review and update structure to address new strategic plan
Develop a cyclical strategic planning process for Board and members to engage in annually
2013
2014
Update Board policies manual
Recruit and retain volunteers
Facilitate planning process
Tactic 2
Update Board policies manual
Recruit and retain volunteers Facilitate planning process
Key Performance Indicator
Membership
ACA membership increases
Activities 2012
2013
2014
Document needs and expectations of members
Increase membership to include primary stakeholders – municipalities, industries, NGOs, etc.
Increase membership to include primary stakeholders – municipalities, industries, NGOs, etc.
Determine potential members, with priorities Approach potential members
Tactic 3
Key Performance Indicator
Fund Raising
ACA funding is adequate for planned activities
Activities 2012
2013
2014
Secure funding for management, communications, passive monitoring and mobile monitoring support
Secure funding to support monitoring, education and management activities
Secure funding to support monitoring, education and management activities
Participate in discussions with Government of Alberta for on-going, secure funding of airsheds
Develop longer term funding strategy through dialogue with other airsheds, AESRD and members
Seek funding from other sources
Seek funding from other sources
Glossary AESRD – Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development AQM – Air Quality Monitoring AQHI – Air Quality Health Index CASA – Clean Air Strategic Alliance CRAQMP – Capital Region Air Quality Management Framework MOU – Memorandum of Understanding NGO - Non–Governmental Organization OMP – Ozone Management Plan RFP – Request for Proposals
147, 9218 Ellerslie Road SW Edmonton, AB T6X 0K6 Tel: 780-470-3117 Fax: 888-791-8348 www.capitalairshed.ca info@capitalairshed.ca