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One of the reasons my husband and I decided to purchase a house within City of Powell River limits was because of the city’s bylaws, which are both logical and fair, including the backyard burning regulations.
However, if people are not aware of the regulations, or are aware but just don’t care, it makes for some unhealthy, unfair and frustrating neighbourhood friction.
The frustration for me is working hard to pay for my little house, but not being able to head out to my backyard to do some gardening, relax, or hang laundry, or walk around the block, because someone is burning. I know seniors in my neighbourhood who don’t leave the house for days during burning season because it’s too difficult to breathe.
While I wish there was no burning at all, I understand not everyone feels this way and I respect that. However, burning often takes place outside of the designated months of April and November, and even when within designated months, is often carried on well after the 3 pm cut-off point.
Too often, people are burning just for the sake of burning, for fun, despite the dangers, health concerns and inconvenience to their neighbours, instead of for the purpose of burning yard and garden waste. Also, too often, burning happens on foggy or windy days when smoke either does not blow away or piles into neighbours’ yards and homes.
The city’s backyard burning regulations are fair and allow plenty of opportunity to get rid of yard and garden waste. They also ensure that past 3 pm, when children are heading home from school, the burning is done.
If we follow the bylaw, those of us who want some smoke-free time outside can plan to head out after 3 pm. If we are all respectful of the regulations we can live cooperatively, healthfully and happily together in our beautiful neighbourhoods.
The simple, one-page regulations are available at powellriver.ca/content/backyard-burning-regulations.
Sandra Tonn is a Powell River resident concerned about the effects of backyard burning on health and wellness.
