When you think of Alberta, you might imagine crisp mountain air, but a new report shows one Alberta town has the worst air quality in North America.

Whitecourt has been singled out as having the dirtiest air, according to an analysis of 2024 data by IQAir and published by HouseFresh. The study focused on fine particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, which comprises tiny particles that can cause severe health problems.

The town, located 180 km northwest of Edmonton, ranked worst in North America among large towns and cities, recording an average PM2.5 concentration of 48.4 micrograms per cubic metre. That’s nearly double the level measured in any other urban centre.

The report points to wildfire smoke as Whitecourt’s primary source of air pollution.

“Wildfires across the Alberta province

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