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Consultation has concluded
A group of residents interested in backyard fires recently made a presentation to Council, asking for consideration to allow residential backyard fires in the City of Waterloo. Council has asked staff to look into the feasibility of backyard fires and get a wider opinion from the general public on this topic. Recognizing that not all our residents live in properties suited for backyard fires, staff are also giving consideration to community fire spaces in approved neighbourhood parks.
A staff report (COM2021-015) with the Recreational Backyard/Community Fires Review (page 97 of the Council packet), went to Council on Monday, May 31, 2021, and council voted to approve report COM2021-015, not amend By-law 2011-124 and maintain status quo for backyard fires as outlined in the report:
"The City’s current By-law 2011-124 regulates open air fires and prohibits any open air fires, using solid fuel i.e. wood at any time on residential properties unless an application is made in writing to the Chief Fire Prevention officer 30 days in advance of the proposed open air fire using solid fuel. In alignment with the Ontario Fire Code the city’s by-law permits outdoor appliances that meet the requirements of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 to be utilized in residential areas. These are appliances fueled by propane and natural gas. The current by-law was enacted in 2011 with a strong focus on environmental concerns, respiratory health, fire and life safety, and nuisance concerns."
Engagement on this project is now closed.
A group of residents interested in backyard fires recently made a presentation to Council, asking for consideration to allow residential backyard fires in the City of Waterloo. Council has asked staff to look into the feasibility of backyard fires and get a wider opinion from the general public on this topic. Recognizing that not all our residents live in properties suited for backyard fires, staff are also giving consideration to community fire spaces in approved neighbourhood parks.
A staff report (COM2021-015) with the Recreational Backyard/Community Fires Review (page 97 of the Council packet), went to Council on Monday, May 31, 2021, and council voted to approve report COM2021-015, not amend By-law 2011-124 and maintain status quo for backyard fires as outlined in the report:
"The City’s current By-law 2011-124 regulates open air fires and prohibits any open air fires, using solid fuel i.e. wood at any time on residential properties unless an application is made in writing to the Chief Fire Prevention officer 30 days in advance of the proposed open air fire using solid fuel. In alignment with the Ontario Fire Code the city’s by-law permits outdoor appliances that meet the requirements of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 to be utilized in residential areas. These are appliances fueled by propane and natural gas. The current by-law was enacted in 2011 with a strong focus on environmental concerns, respiratory health, fire and life safety, and nuisance concerns."
Since the dawn of time, people have gathered around fires to share experiences and stories, bond, enjoy the outdoors and to dream. As someone with 3 young children I want to be able to have these experiences with my children in the backyard around a campfire on a summer's night, to roast marshmallows over an open fire and enjoy one another's companies away from our computers and technology. A propane fire does not even come close to the experience of a wood fire. It is unfair that our neighbours in Kitchener can do this and unreasonable to have such restrictions placed on us reducing the enjoyment that we might have in our backyard.
CP1
almost 4 years ago
I am grateful to the city for allowing comments so we can all see different needs/concerns. Prior to reading these I was very keen on having backyard fires. But now I see more fully benefits/drawbacks. Foremost for me are:
Drawbacks ------------------ 1-limits fresh air, especially among low income (small yards, apartments, lack AC, can't just up& move) 2-health concern, not just COPD but also others w/ invisible/visible conditions linked to breathing 3-mental health (lack of being able to ensure safe air in one's own home, &/or feeling trapped with closed windows)
Because these drawbacks put a disproportionate burden on people that already struggle enough, my opinion is that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. I do think the benefits of backyard fires are important, but the cost is non-negligible, and (IMO) not well-enough justified when there are alternative sources for mental wellbeing.
I would be supportive of backyard fires if we could develop ways to adequately overcome these drawbacks for everyone, because I do love a good wood fire, but I don't know how we can do that yet, and so I favor finding alternatives. For example:
The city could explore is setting up outdoor fire circle sites, whereby residents could register to use one of 20 (or more) small sites set up in the large open spaces in Waterloo Parks & Parking Lots across the city. These sites could be demarcated to allow for sufficient space between multiple fire pits in the same location (e.g. if there were 10 set up at one park). People could bring their own portable chairs or blankets & marshmallows as desired. This idea could be seen as an expansion of the existing community campfires program...but allowing for smaller informal/impromptu groups. Or it could be a completely separate program with simple on-line registration options.
It would be great if the city could pilot such a program, maybe this summer/fall?, in order to determine any issues/ways to improve.
(p.s. I'm leaving environment out of the drawbacks as I am suggesting fires in other locations.)
kat22
almost 4 years ago
Waterloo was wise to do what it did when it put the ban in place and many in other cities are envious. How sad when individuals say they will do what they want and have fires even if bylaw forbit it. Perhaps this is a caring citizen, concerned, respectful and no doubt law abiding in every other way. It seems easier to manage, charge, convict violators based on a no fire situation than one based on a violation of one of any restrictions attached to a changed bylaw. Don't change, stand up for the wisdom of the ban for the greater good.
jcl
almost 4 years ago
We are at the head of the pack and lets not go backwards and move to the most liberal city someone can find. Let others come up to our reasonable standards. Stand firm Waterloo.
jcl
almost 4 years ago
We have a lawn watering bylaw that residents do NOT follow. Residents still do not know how to recycle properly, nor know when 'garbage day' is. Do you think they would follow a backyard fire pit bylaw (however it is written up)? Although the original thought of having fires in the winter is good, year-round will create more enemies than friends within neighbourhoods.
Bearro
almost 4 years ago
We are against backyard fires. Our neighbour has a chiminey and burns wood in it for his fires. They start off with a lot of smoke that enters our house if the windows are even slightly open. It's hard to get rid of the smell!
norma and jim
almost 4 years ago
I have lived in a community that allows wood fires in back yards. I truly believe that many of the people who are supportive have never actually lived through this. Get ready to keep your windows closed and your AC off...this activity is best left for the cottage / campground.
Ann L.
almost 4 years ago
I advocate a small fire in backyard for family use and small gatherings . Responsible for environment and neighbors. I hope to have a small fire this summer.
Nita Ullman
almost 4 years ago
I am against backyard fires in the City of Waterloo because I live in an apartment and right behind the apartment building is residential homes. In the summer time it is nice to have the windows open to enjoy the warm summer air after being closed up all winter. If open fires are allowed, the smoke would most likely drift in with the wind coming out of the south.
MJ
MJB
almost 4 years ago
A small fire pit with dry-wood only (no yard waste) is going to enable a lot of residents to enjoy their backyards. Waterloo residents are generally well educated and responsible individuals. With a little education and guidance on acceptable norms, residents should be able to manage fires responsibly in their backyard. Perhaps it should be limited in some areas such as near the universities or on very small properties. Many other communities permit backyard fires and without the end of the world being feared. Live a little. Enjoy some marshmallows with your kids or neighbors. The mosquitos and gypsy moth infestation will likely keep most people inside anyways. Instead of having permits for backyard fires, hefty fines for foolish and irresponsible behavior would be my preference.
Jay_303
almost 4 years ago
I live in Waterloo and would love to have a fire, but do think there should be some restrictions in place so that intoxicated University students don't start fires in neighbourhoods in which they have no vested interest. How about fires for home owners only and limited to a small group of people like 10 (or less).
Hollyhock
almost 4 years ago
Based on experience I am totally against the back yard fires in Waterloo. Once you allow fires in back yards there is no practical means to police the bad neighbor's who would burn foul wood such as railway ties, creosote lumber or waste (plastics etc.). Even clean wood smoke is very harmful to asthmatics and people suffering from Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). I have also witnessed an overzealous slightly intoxicated neighbor with a raging fire licking the dry tree branches and thinking this is going to lead to the loss of his house and possibly mine if I did not take immediate action to help extinguish the raging flames. Thank God for my friendly nature and that of my neighbor and I that I was there and able to manage the situation while avoiding a brawl or calling police and fire department. The people of Waterloo deserve to live safely, healthy and peacefully in their homes. There is always the option of having a camp fire at a proper camp site while camping for people that want to watch a fire - An innocent neighbor with severe COPD really has no options other then their house and home.
Citizen_K
almost 4 years ago
We should not do this for two reasons: public health and community safety. We now realize that wood smoke contains particularly dangerous particles that damage the lungs and trigger asthma-
Sundew
almost 4 years ago
519.725.5747
Zoltan
almost 4 years ago
A fully hair brained idea in the age of environmental consciousness to have fires anywhere outside, I am most definitely against it.
Zoltan
almost 4 years ago
With all the restrictions they place on back yard fires, if Waterloo adopts similar restriction as Kitchener does most won’t be permitted anyways, especially the back yard that was shown on CKCO of the person who was one of the ones pushing for it. Kitchener is 5m to property line or structures. I have a big back yard and still would not be able to find anywhere that would not be 5m to either the property line or a structure - shed, deck, fence.......
Mike Eckert
almost 4 years ago
I believe the city should be commended for having adopted the current bylaw. It should not be changed. There is a very reasonable option for a natural gas fire. The issues related to regulation, control, ever more complaint investigation costs and the like should not be necessary.
The survey itself seems to aim council towards amending the bylaw, providing a list of conditions supposedly "if" or should the bylaw be changed. Recognizing that should the bylaw be changed the topics cited would be needed to be discussed. Lets take this one step at a time. There is no need to rush the discussion. Let council first decide "retain or change" so the electorate knows the outcome and the councilors who support a change. Then, if a change is required go back to citizens to explore conditions and limitations. We should do this in stages with sufficient time between. Council needs to consider the request to change since a goodly number of residents support it. However there is no urgency in making the change which in my view is not for the better in any case.
There are no controls in place for fires inside homes in fireplaces. The smoke and scent is an indicator of the quality of the material being burned. Sometimes it is an irritant and sometimes in very small doses for a few minutes when walking by it can be pleasant. We too enjoyed wood burning fires when we camped and our health permitted. That is the appropriate place. Those who do not enjoy or whose health is impacted by smoke can avoid campgrounds knowing that it is permitted.
Having a resident need to consider moving from one's home if a change is made would be unreasonable and unfair.
jcl
almost 4 years ago
The frustration on living close to Kitchener residents who safely have backyard fires continues. I hope a path forward will see us find a safe way to allow it here. Thanks for this survey and 'asking' the people.
Marv
almost 4 years ago
Though I haven't done it at my house, many people in Waterloo already partake in backyard fire pits. Just take a walk around the neighbourhood on a summer evening and you can smell campfire everywhere. There is no reason why the rules should be any different from Kitchener. Likewise for parking on a residential street overnight in the summer. Get with the program Waterloo!
Mr Jones
almost 4 years ago
We should not do this for two reasons: public health and community safety.
We now realize that wood smoke contains particularly dangerous particles that damage the lungs and trigger asthma--see references below.
I called bylaw twice this year for fires that were very large and uncontrolled. One was within 5 feet of a wooden garage and one was next to a wooden fence beside a natural gas barbecue--which could have blown up our neighbourhood. As fires are illegal there was no confusion about whether these fires met the rules.
I recognize the social aspect of gathering outside, but fires will mainly be used in the summer when there is no need for warmth.
Since the dawn of time, people have gathered around fires to share experiences and stories, bond, enjoy the outdoors and to dream. As someone with 3 young children I want to be able to have these experiences with my children in the backyard around a campfire on a summer's night, to roast marshmallows over an open fire and enjoy one another's companies away from our computers and technology. A propane fire does not even come close to the experience of a wood fire. It is unfair that our neighbours in Kitchener can do this and unreasonable to have such restrictions placed on us reducing the enjoyment that we might have in our backyard.
I am grateful to the city for allowing comments so we can all see different needs/concerns. Prior to reading these I was very keen on having backyard fires. But now I see more fully benefits/drawbacks. Foremost for me are:
Benefits
--------------
1-own enjoyment
2-social enjoyment
3-mental health (including above & relaxation)
Drawbacks
------------------
1-limits fresh air, especially among low income (small yards, apartments, lack AC, can't just up& move)
2-health concern, not just COPD but also others w/ invisible/visible conditions linked to breathing
3-mental health (lack of being able to ensure safe air in one's own home, &/or feeling trapped with closed windows)
Because these drawbacks put a disproportionate burden on people that already struggle enough, my opinion is that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. I do think the benefits of backyard fires are important, but the cost is non-negligible, and (IMO) not well-enough justified when there are alternative sources for mental wellbeing.
I would be supportive of backyard fires if we could develop ways to adequately overcome these drawbacks for everyone, because I do love a good wood fire, but I don't know how we can do that yet, and so I favor finding alternatives. For example:
The city could explore is setting up outdoor fire circle sites, whereby residents could register to use one of 20 (or more) small sites set up in the large open spaces in Waterloo Parks & Parking Lots across the city. These sites could be demarcated to allow for sufficient space between multiple fire pits in the same location (e.g. if there were 10 set up at one park). People could bring their own portable chairs or blankets & marshmallows as desired. This idea could be seen as an expansion of the existing community campfires program...but allowing for smaller informal/impromptu groups. Or it could be a completely separate program with simple on-line registration options.
It would be great if the city could pilot such a program, maybe this summer/fall?, in order to determine any issues/ways to improve.
(p.s. I'm leaving environment out of the drawbacks as I am suggesting fires in other locations.)
Waterloo was wise to do what it did when it put the ban in place and many in other cities are envious. How sad when individuals say they will do what they want and have fires even if bylaw forbit it. Perhaps this is a caring citizen, concerned, respectful and no doubt law abiding in every other way. It seems easier to manage, charge, convict violators based on a no fire situation than one based on a violation of one of any restrictions attached to a changed bylaw. Don't change, stand up for the wisdom of the ban for the greater good.
We are at the head of the pack and lets not go backwards and move to the most liberal city someone can find. Let others come up to our reasonable standards. Stand firm Waterloo.
We have a lawn watering bylaw that residents do NOT follow. Residents still do not know how to recycle properly, nor know when 'garbage day' is. Do you think they would follow a backyard fire pit bylaw (however it is written up)? Although the original thought of having fires in the winter is good, year-round will create more enemies than friends within neighbourhoods.
We are against backyard fires. Our neighbour has a chiminey and burns wood in it for his fires. They start off with a lot of smoke that enters our house if the windows are even slightly open. It's hard to get rid of the smell!
I have lived in a community that allows wood fires in back yards. I truly believe that many of the people who are supportive have never actually lived through this. Get ready to keep your windows closed and your AC off...this activity is best left for the cottage / campground.
I advocate a small fire in backyard for family use and small gatherings . Responsible for environment and neighbors. I hope to have a small fire this summer.
I am against backyard fires in the City of Waterloo because I live in an apartment and right behind the apartment building is residential homes. In the summer time it is nice to have the windows open to enjoy the warm summer air after being closed up all winter. If open fires are allowed, the smoke would most likely drift in with the wind coming out of the south.
MJ
A small fire pit with dry-wood only (no yard waste) is going to enable a lot of residents to enjoy their backyards. Waterloo residents are generally well educated and responsible individuals. With a little education and guidance on acceptable norms, residents should be able to manage fires responsibly in their backyard. Perhaps it should be limited in some areas such as near the universities or on very small properties. Many other communities permit backyard fires and without the end of the world being feared. Live a little. Enjoy some marshmallows with your kids or neighbors. The mosquitos and gypsy moth infestation will likely keep most people inside anyways. Instead of having permits for backyard fires, hefty fines for foolish and irresponsible behavior would be my preference.
I live in Waterloo and would love to have a fire, but do think there should be some restrictions in place so that intoxicated University students don't start fires in neighbourhoods in which they have no vested interest. How about fires for home owners only and limited to a small group of people like 10 (or less).
Based on experience I am totally against the back yard fires in Waterloo. Once you allow fires in back yards there is no practical means to police the bad neighbor's who would burn foul wood such as railway ties, creosote lumber or waste (plastics etc.). Even clean wood smoke is very harmful to asthmatics and people suffering from Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). I have also witnessed an overzealous slightly intoxicated neighbor with a raging fire licking the dry tree branches and thinking this is going to lead to the loss of his house and possibly mine if I did not take immediate action to help extinguish the raging flames. Thank God for my friendly nature and that of my neighbor and I that I was there and able to manage the situation while avoiding a brawl or calling police and fire department. The people of Waterloo deserve to live safely, healthy and peacefully in their homes. There is always the option of having a camp fire at a proper camp site while camping for people that want to watch a fire - An innocent neighbor with severe COPD really has no options other then their house and home.
We should not do this for two reasons: public health and community safety.
We now realize that wood smoke contains particularly dangerous particles that damage the lungs and trigger asthma-
519.725.5747
A fully hair brained idea in the age of environmental consciousness to have fires anywhere outside, I am most definitely against it.
With all the restrictions they place on back yard fires, if Waterloo adopts similar restriction as Kitchener does most won’t be permitted anyways, especially the back yard that was shown on CKCO of the person who was one of the ones pushing for it. Kitchener is 5m to property line or structures. I have a big back yard and still would not be able to find anywhere that would not be 5m to either the property line or a structure - shed, deck, fence.......
I believe the city should be commended for having adopted the current bylaw. It should not be changed. There is a very reasonable option for a natural gas fire. The issues related to regulation, control, ever more complaint investigation costs and the like should not be necessary.
The survey itself seems to aim council towards amending the bylaw, providing a list of conditions supposedly "if" or should the bylaw be changed. Recognizing that should the bylaw be changed the topics cited would be needed to be discussed. Lets take this one step at a time. There is no need to rush the discussion. Let council first decide "retain or change" so the electorate knows the outcome and the councilors who support a change. Then, if a change is required go back to citizens to explore conditions and limitations. We should do this in stages with sufficient time between. Council needs to consider the request to change since a goodly number of residents support it. However there is no urgency in making the change which in my view is not for the better in any case.
There are no controls in place for fires inside homes in fireplaces. The smoke and scent is an indicator of the quality of the material being burned. Sometimes it is an irritant and sometimes in very small doses for a few minutes when walking by it can be pleasant. We too enjoyed wood burning fires when we camped and our health permitted. That is the appropriate place. Those who do not enjoy or whose health is impacted by smoke can avoid campgrounds knowing that it is permitted.
Having a resident need to consider moving from one's home if a change is made would be unreasonable and unfair.
The frustration on living close to Kitchener residents who safely have backyard fires continues. I hope a path forward will see us find a safe way to allow it here. Thanks for this survey and 'asking' the people.
Though I haven't done it at my house, many people in Waterloo already partake in backyard fire pits. Just take a walk around the neighbourhood on a summer evening and you can smell campfire everywhere. There is no reason why the rules should be any different from Kitchener. Likewise for parking on a residential street overnight in the summer. Get with the program Waterloo!
We should not do this for two reasons: public health and community safety.
We now realize that wood smoke contains particularly dangerous particles that damage the lungs and trigger asthma--see references below.
I called bylaw twice this year for fires that were very large and uncontrolled. One was within 5 feet of a wooden garage and one was next to a wooden fence beside a natural gas barbecue--which could have blown up our neighbourhood. As fires are illegal there was no confusion about whether these fires met the rules.
I recognize the social aspect of gathering outside, but fires will mainly be used in the summer when there is no need for warmth.
https://www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj.k167/rr-3
https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/wood-smoke-and-your-health