Kim Guttormson, Calgary Herald
Published: Friday, October 03, 2008Two aldermen are reigniting a debate over firepits, proposing the city look at a permit system for the backyard burners.
Citing health issues aggravated by the smoke, Bob Hawkesworth and Joe Ceci are suggesting looking at inspections and a way to revoke the permits of inconsiderate neighbours.
"These kinds of conflicts and health effects have led other cities across the country to ban firepits," Hawkesworth said of the motion that will be before council Monday.
Marg Roseneder opposes the idea of the city snooping in her backyard to inspect her firepit.
Dean Bicknell, Calgary Herald
"Rather than ban them, we're hoping this approach addresses the issue and allows people to enjoy a firepit."
But some are concerned the move would be unenforceable and amount to meddling in the privacy of peoples' backyards.
"I have really strong opinions about the government coming into people's private property and policing them," Marg Roseneder said, adding her neighbours know to tell them if there's a problem.
"If we're too noisy, tell us, or grab a beer and join us," she said. "I do sympathize with the ones who have asthma."
Others would just prefer to see them banned.
"Just take the lead here and abolish the silly things," said Emjay Brown, who has asthma and didn't sit in her backyard this summer. "I can't go out in my backyard if you have a fire in yours.
"A permit seems like another Band-Aid."
Ceci points out that up to a third of city homes have firepits, according to some estimates. Last year, through the 311 call centre, 217 complaints were received. So far this year, there have been 147.
That indicates most aren't problems, Ceci said.
"But when they are a problem, the problem doesn't get resolved," he pointed out.
Ald. Andre Chabot said permits would be better than a ban, but he believes they would be unenforceable.
"We have all these bylaws and we can't enforce them," he said. "I support the concept; I have questions about how we'd police it."
Bill Bruce, manager of animal and bylaw services, said permits would aim for middle ground between the two firepit camps.
As long as homeowners are within the existing rules -- abiding by the 1 a.m. curfew, not burning treated wood -- he has little recourse, even if asthma sufferers complain.
Being able to impose a fine if there's a revoked permit, for example, would offer more options, he said.
Bruce added if council passes the motion to investigate firepit regulation, he'd like to do public consultation.
Four years ago, when council approved a community standards bylaw that put time limits on backyard fires, it drew heated debate.
Original Article