Air quality
The Regional Air Quality Program is a partnership between the Regional District of Central Okanagan, the City of Kelowna, City of West Kelowna, District of Peachland, District of Lake County, and Westbank First Nation.
Guided by the Clean Air Strategy report, the program works to protect and improve air quality across the Central Okanagan, today and for future generations.
Clean, healthy air benefits everyone
Clean air supports our health, our environment, and our quality of life. The good news? Many of the most effective air quality improvements come from small, practical actions.
When residents, businesses, and local governments make simple changes, like reducing vehicle idling, switching to electric equipment, or choosing alternatives to burning, those actions add up. Together, they help reduce emissions and improve air quality across the region.
Choose your own air quality adventure
Explore the programs and resources below to see how you can take part and make a difference at home, at school and in your community.
Choose alternatives to burning
Reduce smoke and protect local air quality.
Burning large residential and agricultural waste is a major source of smoke pollution. Cleaner options, like chipping, mowing and drop-off or collection programs, help reduce emissions and wildfire risk.
Reduce vehicle idling
Switch off your engine. Reduce emissions instantly.
Idling vehicles create unnecessary air pollution and use more fuel than restarting your engine. Turning your engine off when stopped is one of the easiest ways to improve our local air quality.
Follow wood-burning best practices or upgrade old appliances
Burn better. Breathe easier.
Older wood-burning appliances produce significantly more smoke than modern, efficient options. If you’re still heating your home with wood, our resources can help you use less wood, save money, and prevent excessive smoke. You may also be eligible for incentives to upgrade to a cleaner heating system.
Support cleaner air around schools
Choose active travel where possible.
Walking, cycling, or using other active transportation instead of driving to school helps reduce vehicle emissions, traffic congestion and idling while supporting student safety and physical activity.
Burn responsibly when burning is permitted
Know the rules before you light a fire.
Open burning is regulated across the Central Okanagan to protect air quality and reduce smoke impacts. Always check conditions, permits, and alternatives before burning.
Test for radon
Protect your indoor air.
Radon is an invisible gas that can build up indoors and affect lung health. Testing is the only way to know if radon levels are high.
