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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFD-5-93 TFIE CORPORATION OF T TOWN OF NEWCASTLE REPORT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE File # 1983 Date: JUNE , .7Res. # Report FD-5-93 File#: 10- 12 . 6 By-Law# Subject: OPEN AIR BURNING Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended: 1. ) THAT Report FD-5-93 be received; and 2 . ) THAT the criteria established to regulate open air burning be maintained as previously directed. 1. BACKGROUND 1. 1 In a previous report, FD-6-92, of July 6, 1992, Committee was advised of proposed guidelines to be established for open air burning within the Town of Newcastle. 1.2 In these guidelines it was established that open air burning be restricted to properties with a minimum of ten acres and zoned agricultural. These guidelines were established in conjunction with Rod Adams from the Ministry of the Environment. 1. 3 At the meeting of Council on April 26, 1993, concerns were raised regarding the regulating of open air burning. Staff would advise that burning permits are issued to those who request them and qualify under the regulations set forth in Report FD-6-92 . There have been a large number of such permits issued to date. 1.4 The only restrictions that are put on burning, aside from the property restrictions are if someone has ten acres or more but is located in a built up, residential area or is located on a major thoroughfare such as Highway 2, 401 or 35/115 . These restrictions are necessary given the number of calls received from passers by who call in fires . The only other restriction may be put on a property owner who has been in violation of the burning guidelines, identified on permits, which necessitated revoking the permit. Continued. . . . . . FD-5-93, Cont'd. - 2 - 1.5 It should also be noted that the issuance of permits has been relaxed for some people who have sustained major damage due to winter storms and they have been issued short term ( 1 week) permits to facilitate cleanup. These, however, are restricted to non built up areas, due to the concerns of neighbour's complaints . 2. CONCLUSION 2 . 1 It is the belief of staff that there is a real need to continue restricting the issuing of permits for open air burning. 2 .2 It is also the feeling of staff that those who qualify under the existing guidelines have not, in the past, been restricted from obtaining permits . 2 .3 Given the continued urbanization of the Town there is a need to control open fires and through these controls, reduce the number of burning complaints that result from the concerns of residents who may be disturbed by such fires . 2 .4 It should be noted that the guidelines and subsequent laying of charges against violators is assisting in reducing the number of complaints related to illegal burning and should continue to do so. 3. RECOMMENDATIONS 3. 1 It is respectfully recommended that the existing regulations set out by Council for regulating open air burning be maintained. Respectfully submitted, Recommended for presentation to Committee VA, t�// M.G. Creighto , AMCT(A) , CMM1 Lawrence E. Kotsef `.\ Fire Chief. Chief Administrat'v fficer. MC/sr May 17, 1993 i I i