Cochrane’s air will now be continuously monitored on site rather than getting readings from Calgary.

A new monitoring program through the Calgary Regional Airshed Zone (CRAZ) – a multi-stakeholder non-profit – prompted by a third party assessment, will bring an air monitoring device to the town for six months.

From there, it will be rotated between Okotoks and Strathmore, each for six months, and then back to Cochrane for a final time.

The reason, said CRAZ executive director Jill Bloor, is to ensure sizeable rural communities have accurate air quality readings – especially when fires cause a noticeable difference – rather than presuming Calgary’s air readings are the same for the nearby municipalities.

Read more: Air quality monitoring kick off