Vancouver activates several "cleaner air" spaces as smoke continues

Vancouver has announced that several “cleaner air spaces” are opening in the city as wildfire smoke continues to blanket the region.

Five locations have been activated by both the City and the Vancouver Park Board and are open during the following hours:

• Carnegie Community Centre (9 am to 8 pm)
• Evelyne Saller Centre (9:15 am to 8 pm)
• Gathering Place Community Centre (9 am to 8 pm)
• Mount Pleasant Community Centre (7:15 am to 7 pm from Monday to Wednesday; 7:15 am to 8 pm on Thursday to Friday; 8:45 am to 5 pm on Saturday)
• Vancouver Public Library Central Branch, lower level rooms (TBA)

“These sites offer a limited number of spaces with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or MERV 13 filtering, which can support people struggling with respiratory issues,” said the City in an emailed statement.

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Visitors at any of these locations are reminded to practice safety measures such as physical distancing and hand sanitization. The City says that capacity limits, sanitization stations, and cleaning of high-touch surfaces are being used.

“Visitors will be monitored for signs and symptoms of respiratory issues and COVID-19, and referred to Vancouver Coastal Health for medical care where needed,” says the City of Vancouver.

Tuesday marks Metro Vancouver’s eighth consecutive day under an air quality advisory.

Environment Canada says that while a slight improvement in air quality could occur, ground-level smoke may remain until later this week.