Whether it’s wildfire smoke in summer or winter smog in the city, air quality affects us all. Knowing where to find accurate, local air information can help you protect your health and plan your daily activities with confidence.
Meet CRAZ: Your Local Air Quality Authority
The Calgary Region Airshed Zone (CRAZ) is your trusted source for local air quality data, news, and education. CRAZ operates real-time monitoring stations across the region and delivers outreach programs to help communities understand and improve the air we share.
The CRAZ area covers Calgary, Airdrie, and surrounding rural municipalities, stretching from Banff and Kananaskis to Vulcan and Wheatland Counties, and includes the Siksika, Eden Valley, Tsuu T’ina, and Stoney First Nations.
Why Your Air Quality Matters
Air quality directly affects our health, productivity, and quality of life. In Alberta, conditions are constantly influenced by wildfires, industrial activity, and changing weather patterns.
That’s why it’s important to stay informed through the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) – a tool that turns complex pollution data into simple, health-based guidance.
The AQHI is calculated using three key pollutants: ground-level ozone, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). These measurements are combined into a single score from 1 (Low Risk) to 10+ (Very High Risk), helping you decide when it’s safe to be outdoors or when to take precautions.
Why You Can Trust CRAZ
Accurate, Local, and Reliable Data
CRAZ and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) operate a network of government-certified air monitoring stations across Alberta. Each station uses scientifically calibrated instruments and follows strict quality control standards to measure pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O₃), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
This ensures the data feeding into the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is accurate, consistent, and locally representative. Unlike generic apps that may rely on broad or estimated data, CRAZ’s readings come directly from ground-level sensors in your community, giving you confidence that the information truly reflects the air you’re breathing.
Health-Focused Guidance
The AQHI isn’t just a number; it is designed to help you make health-based decisions. Each risk level includes practical recommendations so you can adjust outdoor activities and protect vulnerable family members when air quality worsens.
Trusted by Experts
CRAZ and AEPA work closely with health agencies, municipalities, and community organizations.
The WeatherCan app, operated by Environment and Climate Change Canada, is the official federal source for air quality and weather updates, meaning you’re seeing the same data used by health professionals and emergency planners.
Timely Alerts for Changing Conditions
Air quality can shift quickly due to wildfire smoke, industrial activity, or weather patterns. Official sources provide hourly readings and forecasts. This allows you to take immediate precautions, whether that means rescheduling outdoor plans or limiting exposure for children and seniors.
How to Check Air Quality in Your Area
Keeping an eye on the AQHI helps you make smart, informed choices about outdoor activities for yourself and your family. By using trusted sources, you can stay up to date on local air quality and plan your day with confidence.
Access reliable updates here:
- CRAZ Website – Detailed air monitoring data for the Calgary region
- AEPA Air Quality Map – Province-wide network with live AQHI data
- WeatherCan App – Easy-to-use mobile app offering real-time air quality and weather updates
Join CRAZ and Make a Difference
Want to play a more active role in protecting local air quality? CRAZ is inviting members to volunteer on committees that guide air quality management and community engagement across the region.
By joining, you can:
- Share your ideas and expertise
- Network with professionals across sectors
- Contribute to meaningful environmental action
Current committees include:
- Air Quality Management Planning
- Engagement and Membership
- Policy and Research
- Smoke
- Technical
- Audit and Finance
If you’re passionate about clean air and collaboration, we’d love to have you involved.
To volunteer or learn more, contact: Tanya.Carlson@craz.ca