Proposed bylaw could ban chimineas in urban areas

HRM - If the fire department gets its way, HRM will ban chimineas and other outdoor wood burning appliances almost everywhere, except rural areas.

In a proposed bylaw, the fire department wants Halifax regional council to ban chimineas and such, from being used within 30 metres (100 feet) of the nearest dwelling on an adjacent property. That restriction effectively bans the devices from being used on almost all urban and suburban lots.

Doug Conrad, a certified landscaper with Creative Light and Landscape in the Burnside Industrial Park, said fireplaces and other accessories to enhance outdoor living spaces are more popular than ever these days.

"It's a lovely addition," Conrad said

He said there's a big push toward expanding your outdoor living space to encourage people to spend more time in their backyard.

The fire department has attempted to ban the devices in the past with no success, saying they're a fire hazard that creates air quality problems for neighbours.

Lower Sackville Coun. Bob Harvey said he's heard from people on both sides of the issue.

"One person's enjoyment of their property, makes less enjoyment next door. So what's right?" he asks.

Harvey said if people used them properly, it would not be as big an issue. But, he said, many insist on burning debris in their backyard which creates more smoke than the dry, seasoned hardwood they're supposed to use.

"So, I guess, to some extent, people have brought this upon themselves by not following what's been in the bylaw," he said.

Halifax South End Coun. Sue Uteck said the recommendation to restrict chimineas within 100 feet of a neighbour is too late, and should have been established when they were first introduced years ago.

She said the new bylaw, if approved, would make outdoor wood burning fireplaces useless in metro.

"You might as well put a flower pot in it," Uteck said.

Uteck, who represents one of the most densely-populated districts in HRM, said she has not had any complaints about problems with chimineas.

East Dartmouth-The Lakes Coun. Andrew Younger said one of the main complaints with chimineas is that many people do not use them properly.

Under current burning bylaws, chimineas are not to be used on a wooden deck or be within 15 feet of combustible material, and are to be used with dry, seasoned wood only to reduce smoke.

"I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. They are not environmentally friendly and they are rarely used to the manufacturer's suggestions," Younger said.

Younger said while he believes there should be some setback restrictions, he has some concerns with the way the proposed bylaw is currently written.

Younger said one thing he'd like to see is easier enforcement and ticketing for bylaw infractions. He said currently a fire truck is dispatched to investigate complaints, rather than bylaw enforcement officers.

Younger said the proposed bylaw will come before Halifax regional council committee-of-the-whole at a future meeting. Council can either accept, reject or revise the proposed bylaw, which will then be subject to a public hearing.

kmoar@hfxnews.ca