Propane fire pits (photo/Vernon Matters)

By Kevin Rothwell

Trial period could start January 26

Propane fire pit trial approved for Polson Park

Jan 11, 2021 | 5:31 PM

Vernon council has approved a plan by councillor Scott Anderson to allow fire pits in Polson Park, through April 5. The final approval of the bylaw would be required at council’s meeting January 25.

Despite some reservations about the location and COVID-19 public health orders, the plan was approved unanimously.

“We are going in the wrong direction for this year. It absolutely flies in the face of the public health order,” Coun Brian Quiring said. “I think it is a great idea, but maybe with a start date of next winter.”

“People will disobey if they are going to. This is to get people out of the house, to be healthy,” Coun Anderson said.

Portable propane stoves are currently allowed in all city parks.

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Other members of council and the mayor suggested this should be looked at for other parks, like Lakeview, Kin Beach and Hurlburt.

“It’s a good idea. We have a report here for Polson Park, so let’s do this. Let’s try it for this year and see what happens.” Coun. Akbal Mund said.

The fire pits would be restricted to the oval area of the park and be allowed only until sundown.

There were also concerns about Polson Park due to the homeless population.

“I’ve received comments from business owners wondering if the park is going to be full of fires and shopping carts,” Quiring said. “This should be open to any park.

“I’m just concerned about our homeless population using these in an inappropriate manner. I worry about someone getting hurt,” Coun. Kari Gares said.

“These are very safe. This is a low risk activity,” fire chief David Lind said.