University of Toronto researchers released the final report of the Air Quality Study showing relationship between highway traffic and airport activity on the downtown Bathurst Quay waterfront neighbourhood.
BQNA Air Quality Study background:
This Air Quality Study of a mixed income, high density community identified as a potential air pollution “hot spot” because of its location between the Gardiner Expressway and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, was initiated by the Bathurst Quay Neighbourhood Association (BQNA) and conducted by the University of Toronto, in partnership with Toronto Public Health, City of Toronto Planning Department and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
This Campus Community Partnership began in February 2020 with a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. The study was intended to understand potential population exposures and the potential importance of different sources, to air pollution in the neighbourhood, and to disseminate knowledge to inform stakeholders and decision-makers in future discussions and decisions regarding planning policy, land-use, transportation and airport operations.
This independent study is the first time direct air quality testing was conducted in the community to include Ultrafine particles, along with other pollutants, and supersedes the earlier 2013 Golder Study to reflect the neighbourhood’s growth over the past decade to its current status as the second highest density riding in Toronto.
Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Location: Arcadia Co-op, Arcadian Room, 680 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Nearest Intersection: Bathurst and Queens Quay West.
A neighbourhood tour, led by Bathurst Quay community members and the University of Toronto Scientific Project team, will be followed by a presentation of findings by Dr. Marianne Hatzopoulou, University of Toronto, Air Quality Study Lead.
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. – Bathurst Quay Neighbourhood tour of testing sites
6:00 - 6:30 p.m. – Refreshments at Arcadia Co-op (Pizza and beverages provided)
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. – Study results
7:30 - 8:00 p.m. – Q&A and community feedback
Background Information on Health Impacts from Ultra Fine Particles (UFP) and air pollution from fine particles (PM2.5)
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