Saltair Adopts Backyard Burning Restrictions

Duncan, BC - Electoral Area G – Saltair (excluding the Gulf Islands) is taking action to improve regional air quality. A recent amendment to the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s (CVRD) smoke control bylaw means the Saltair region will join Mill Bay/Malahat, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay and Cowichan Station/Sahtlam/Glenora in restricting residential backyard burning to a one-month period during the spring and fall.

“Taking action to reduce open burning and improve air quality benefits residents across the region,” says Chair Jon Lefebure. “The airshed knows no jurisdictional boundaries. Reducing backyard burning is an important step towards achieving healthier communities, and establishing consistent regulations across the region, a key objective of the Cowichan Regional Airshed Protection Strategy.”

First adopted in 2013, CVRD Bylaw No. 3716 – Smoke Control Pollution Bylaw contributes to regional air quality objectives by banning backyard burning in CVRD Electoral Areas A, B, C, D, E and G (excluding the Gulf Islands) during the winter months when smoke tends to accumulate. Instead, burning is restricted to March 15 through April 15, and October 15 through November 15, and only when the BC Venting Index is rated as ‘good.’

Burning must take place at least 10 metres from all property lines, and the use of burn barrels is banned year-round. Campfires are not restricted. CVRD member municipalities, including the Town of Ladysmith and the Municipality of North Cowichan, also have burn restrictions in place. Residents who live in CVRD municipalities are encouraged to contact their municipality for more information.

For several years, the Cowichan Valley has had exceedances of the national fine particulate matter (PM2.5) standards. In response to growing air quality concerns, the CVRD and partnering organizations have supported healthier communities, through initiatives such as developing Cowichan's Regional Airshed Protection Strategy, forming a collaborative roundtable, and exploring alternatives to older wood burning appliances and open burning.

To learn more about the bylaw and air quality in the region, visit cvrd.bc.ca/cleartheaircowichan. To report an illegal burn, contact CVRD bylaw enforcement at 250.746.2500.