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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."
I completely disagree with backyard fires. We don't have air conditioning and leave our windows open at night in the spring/summer. We already deal with a neighbour who has illegal fires in his backyard and the smoke fills our house when he has them.
In addition, I thought the region/city was making a commitment to addressing climate change. Wood fires decrease air quality in urban areas. The density can't support them. Cities in Quebec where many homes have wood stoves and fireplaces have sought to eliminate them because of air quality issues.
Propane burns cleaner and is an acceptable alternative.
Please do not pass this by-law. It is unfair for those of us who economically can't afford air conditioning and open our windows in the air and decreases air quality for all citizens.
TH
almost 4 years ago
I don't mind residential backyard mini fires but when the backyard areas are large and far far away from other homes and are not intrusive, as long as I can open our windows to enjoy a clean breeze and the smoke doesn't enter into our home or the under roof air flow or trigger our carbon monoxide detector!
GB
almost 4 years ago
Primitive behaviour serving no wholesome purpose and difficult to regulate especially as soon as alcohol is involved among the participants. Puts a strain on police and fire services. People need to find a better way to make use of their time. If people need to socialize for mental health reasons, there are wiser ways this can be accomplished that do not involve fire. e.g. go for a walk, have a safe outdoor picnic, go skiing together, take an online class, find a place of worship and a community (albeit mostly online for now), learn an instrument, be part of a book club, invent something.
Methuselah
almost 4 years ago
We need to take care of our mental health. I am one of many people in this city who live alone, I'm sure. It has been a long, lonely winter. A calm place to reflect and gather with someone in a safe environment is necessary. There are arguments about using the propane fireplaces but I have looked on-line to see any mention of their use in winter. Seems to me the glass beads would crack in the freezing weather and then heated quickly through the burning ring. Let's face it, they also do not provide the heat that would be required to comfortably gather in winter. I would also like to be able to cook a meal over and in the embers while they are hot. You have a city of intelligent, responsible people that need to be treated that way.
Kaatje
almost 4 years ago
Backyard fires happen anyway. And a couple of fires won't change air pollutants. Kitchener does just fine. We should be able to too.
Rachel lyn
almost 4 years ago
Let's make sure everyone is on the same page: the issue is not the fire, it is the use of "solid fuel" to feed that fire. You can have a backyard fire using non-solid fuels. Yes, I know it is not the same feel or smell, but to me this is a small price to pay. I only needed one inconsiderate neighbor experience (previous home in another city) with smoke wafting directly into my bedroom window every summer weekend, to make my personal decision on this issue.
Mkutubi
almost 4 years ago
Backyard fires need to happen more than ever. It would have been extremely nice during COVID times to be able to sit around a backyard fire with my family, be happy and have some fun being together, cook some food and support the stay at home orders. I think naturally being around a fire gives a person a sense of inner peace and well-being just like it does being near water. It can be achieved and also be done safely- look to other local cities, they seem to manage it just fine. It’s currently a factor on the table when we move as to whether we want to stay in Waterloo or find a nice home in Kitchener because enjoying the outdoors right now is paramount and being able to enjoy a nice fire in this area is doable in Kitchener but not next door in Waterloo?
Chris Boehmer
almost 4 years ago
Backyard fires need to happen especially now during COVID times. People are looking for reasons to get out and be happy together and smoke/noise is no reason not to do it. That’s what rules and regulations are for. Other local cities manage just fine with them. Just because a small select few don’t want fires doesn’t mean others shouldn’t be respectfully allowed to do it with appropriate rules and regs.
Chris Boehmer
almost 4 years ago
I absolutely do not want backyard fires. My breathing concerns and air pollution are the reasons. Please don’t allow.
I completely disagree with backyard fires. We don't have air conditioning and leave our windows open at night in the spring/summer. We already deal with a neighbour who has illegal fires in his backyard and the smoke fills our house when he has them.
In addition, I thought the region/city was making a commitment to addressing climate change. Wood fires decrease air quality in urban areas. The density can't support them. Cities in Quebec where many homes have wood stoves and fireplaces have sought to eliminate them because of air quality issues.
Propane burns cleaner and is an acceptable alternative.
Please do not pass this by-law. It is unfair for those of us who economically can't afford air conditioning and open our windows in the air and decreases air quality for all citizens.
I don't mind residential backyard mini fires but when the backyard areas are large and far far away from other homes and are not intrusive, as long as I can open our windows to enjoy a clean breeze and the smoke doesn't enter into our home or the under roof air flow or trigger our carbon monoxide detector!
Primitive behaviour serving no wholesome purpose and difficult to regulate especially as soon as alcohol is involved among the participants. Puts a strain on police and fire services. People need to find a better way to make use of their time. If people need to socialize for mental health reasons, there are wiser ways this can be accomplished that do not involve fire. e.g. go for a walk, have a safe outdoor picnic, go skiing together, take an online class, find a place of worship and a community (albeit mostly online for now), learn an instrument, be part of a book club, invent something.
We need to take care of our mental health. I am one of many people in this city who live alone, I'm sure. It has been a long, lonely winter. A calm place to reflect and gather with someone in a safe environment is necessary. There are arguments about using the propane fireplaces but I have looked on-line to see any mention of their use in winter. Seems to me the glass beads would crack in the freezing weather and then heated quickly through the burning ring. Let's face it, they also do not provide the heat that would be required to comfortably gather in winter. I would also like to be able to cook a meal over and in the embers while they are hot. You have a city of intelligent, responsible people that need to be treated that way.
Backyard fires happen anyway. And a couple of fires won't change air pollutants. Kitchener does just fine. We should be able to too.
Let's make sure everyone is on the same page: the issue is not the fire, it is the use of "solid fuel" to feed that fire. You can have a backyard fire using non-solid fuels. Yes, I know it is not the same feel or smell, but to me this is a small price to pay. I only needed one inconsiderate neighbor experience (previous home in another city) with smoke wafting directly into my bedroom window every summer weekend, to make my personal decision on this issue.
Backyard fires need to happen more than ever. It would have been extremely nice during COVID times to be able to sit around a backyard fire with my family, be happy and have some fun being together, cook some food and support the stay at home orders. I think naturally being around a fire gives a person a sense of inner peace and well-being just like it does being near water. It can be achieved and also be done safely- look to other local cities, they seem to manage it just fine. It’s currently a factor on the table when we move as to whether we want to stay in Waterloo or find a nice home in Kitchener because enjoying the outdoors right now is paramount and being able to enjoy a nice fire in this area is doable in Kitchener but not next door in Waterloo?
Backyard fires need to happen especially now during COVID times. People are looking for reasons to get out and be happy together and smoke/noise is no reason not to do it. That’s what rules and regulations are for. Other local cities manage just fine with them. Just because a small select few don’t want fires doesn’t mean others shouldn’t be respectfully allowed to do it with appropriate rules and regs.
I absolutely do not want backyard fires. My breathing concerns and air pollution are the reasons. Please don’t allow.