A Nanoose Bay resident is calling on the Regional District of Nanaimo to impose a burning ban in Area E, but directors appear less than enthusiastic about the idea.
Speaking as a delegation at Tuesday night’s committee of the whole meeting, Gordon Wyness called the issue one of human rights.
The Nanoose Bay resident said he has been plagued by neighbours burning on their properties and is at his wit’s end.
“I have appealed to every level of government, asked neighbours for co-operation, written letters to them, advising them of the health risks and I even offered to take away one neighbour’s refuse at my expense for the harmony of the neighbourhood.”
In response, he said, his neighbour subsequently burned for nine hours.
He said he sees the issue of smoke as one of human rights, because he should have the right to breath clean air.
He called on the RDN to consider a burning ban on properties under one acre in size across the regional district.
“I want to have what most of you have — clean air,” he said. “Ladies and gentlemen, I need your help.
Although a recommendation was made to put the matter of a burning bylaw to staff for a report, Area E director Goerge Holme noted the issue was sent to the public only three years ago and was soundly defeated, with a mere 24.7 per cent of residents bothering to vote on it and of those, 62.8 voting in opposition and only 37.2 per cent voting in favour.
“The people of Nanoose Bay do not want a burning bylaw,” he said.
The motion was defeated.