Air quality monitoring

The Town of Caledon and the Province of Ontario are working together to conduct air quality monitoring in Caledon Village and Bolton to better understand traffic-related emissions.

2 ambient (outdoor) air quality monitoring stations will be installed in Caledon Village and Bolton for roughly 3 months and will measure levels of black carbon, nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter in the air.

What is ambient air quality monitoring?

Air quality describes the state of the air around us. Good air quality means clean, unpolluted air. Poor air quality happens when pollutants reach concentrations that are of concern to human health and/or the environment.

Ambient air monitoring stations are located outside so the data gathered represents the exposure of the general population. 

For more information, visit the Government of Ontario's webpage on air quality.

When will air quality monitoring begin?

Air quality monitoring started in Caledon Village in December. Air quality monitoring in Bolton is expected to start in spring of 2024. These timelines are subject to change. For the latest updates, keep an eye on this webpage.

Where will the air quality stations be located?

Caledon Village:

  • Air pointer 1 will be installed at Caledon Village Place (18313 Hurontario Street)
  • Air pointer 2 will be installed at Fire Station 309 (3611 Charleston Side Road)

Bolton:

  • Air pointer 1 will be installed at R.J.A Potts Memorial Park (125 Pembrook Street)
  • Air pointer 2 will be installed at Mayfield-50 Commuter Lot (Mayfield Road and Highway 50)

Will there be any impact to residents?

Air quality monitoring stations should have little to no impact to nearby residents. All air quality monitoring stations in Caledon will meet the rigid specifications determined by the Province of Ontario.

Noise is the primary byproduct of air quality monitoring stations. The noise emitted by two air monitors installed side by side is roughly 70 decibels - similar to the noise emitted by a washing machine. In Caledon, there will only be one air monitor installed in the above noted locations.

There are also government-enforced regulations to reduce noise from air quality monitoring stations.

What do air quality monitoring systems look like?

Below is an example of an air quality monitoring system. In all cases, the air quality monitoring system will be fenced off for resident safety and to prevent tampering.

When will the air quality monitoring findings of the be available?

The Province will compile and analyze the data from both locations and provide the findings to the Town. A specific time frame has not been provided by the Province.

I have more questions. Who can I contact?
Please direct questions to environment@caledon.ca.