17.2
Reduce air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions
Over the past 30 years, Montréal’s air quality has improved noticeably. This is partly due to a reduction in atmospheric emissions from industrial sources, which have been regulated since 1970 and the introduction of emission-control devices in automobiles.
Nonetheless, air quality is still adversely affected by a number of pollutants, especially ozone and fine airborne particles. Up to 70% of these contaminants come from southern Ontario and the United States , especially in summer and depending on wind conditions. Programs involving the various national, regional and local governments throughout North America are required in order to correct this situation.
By endorsing the Kyoto Protocol, the Ville de Montréal has made a firm commitment to help reduce greenhouse gases. Two major sources of atmospheric pollutants contribute to the formation of ozone and greenhouse gases: motor vehicles and certain types of industries. Therefore, the City intends to reduce automobile use on its territory and to advocate that industry be required to comply with the most stringent clean-air standards.
With a view to improving air quality in Montréal, the City takes a firm stand in favour of public transportation. In order to reduce automobile use, it intends to support land development that facilitates the use of transportation modes other than automobiles (see Objectives 3 and 14).
The City supports other measures, such as carpooling and the creation of parking areas for bicycles. It encourages the use of active forms of transportation such as cycling, walking and in-line skating as well as the implementation of a self-service bicycle system for institutions and companies (see Objective 3).