Smog Alert Response Plan
Smog refers to hazy air that most often occurs on hot summer days when heat and sunlight react with gases and fine particles in the air. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) reports daily on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

When the AQI is forecasted to be high enough so that health is at risk (AQI = 50 or greater) and combined with certain weather patterns such as prolonged heat and sunshine, the MOE issues an Air Quality Advisory, also known as a Smog Alert Day, to medical officers of health and the media. When the MOE issues a Smog Alert Day, the Town of Markham responds by making arrangements in staff work schedules to reduce their contribution to smog-causing pollutants and conserve energy. Page seven of the Smog Alert Response Plan talks about the operational modifications that are made by the Town on Smog Alert Days, these include: reducing the use of gasoline or diesel powered equipment; reducing road resurfacing, and; suspended street sweeping.

Smog Alert Response Plan ( 74k/23p) - internal policy and procedures that help to reduce smog and improve air quality in the community.