REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: October 31, 2017 Report No. DEV-17-064
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Marlene Lagoa, Community Development Coordinator
Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Air Quality and Wood Burning
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Township of Esquimalt promote awareness around local burning regulations and the health effects of wood smoke using existing communication channels.
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RELEVANT POLICY:
BC Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation
Fire Protection and Control Bylaw, 2011, No. 2783
Maintenance of Property and Nuisance Regulation Bylaw, 2014, No. 2826
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Air quality is not part of Council's strategic priorities or any current staff work plan.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this report is to outline the impact of the Environmental Advisory Committee's recommendation concerning public education and incentive program for wood stoves on municipal operations and Council's Strategic Plan.
At the October 23, 2017 Regular Council Meeting, the following motion was carried:
"That the Letter from Island Health, dated October 6, 2017, Re: Air Quality Related
Health Concerns Due to Domestic Wood Burning and Backyard Burning be referred to the Environmental Advisory Committee to explore alternate options and incentives to domestic wood burning to encourage Esquimalt residents of alternate heating opportunities."
A copy of the letter from Island Health is enclosed as Appendix A. The letter suggests that local governments address air quality issues due to wood and backyard burning using one or more of the following options:
1. Update and/or implement air quality bylaws with more stringent controls on the type and use of wood burning appliances.
2. Offer an incentive program that promotes alternative heating sources to wood.
3. Create a social marketing and educational campaign that provides awareness of the health effects due to wood stoves.
4. Imple...
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