Fire pit use in Polson Park sparks debate

Vernon residents could be able to gather with family members around a propane campfire in the new year.

Coun. Scott Anderson didn’t find support for adding wood burning fire pits to Polson Park, but a motion to have staff identify changes to bylaws for propane fire pits passed by a four to three margin.

“Right now fire pits are not allowed in public places, and there would be elements of the good neighbour bylaw that would also be touched,” Vernon Fire Rescue Chief David Lind said. “We do allow campfires at private residences but they tend to be contentious with neighbours and they do generate some work for our bylaw folks.”

“I think this would cause a whole host of problems, with homeless bringing in propane tanks,” he said.

Propane barbecues are allowed in public parks.

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“I would just like to commend Councillor Anderson for coming up with out-of-the-box thinking, to assist our residents of Vernon here,” Coun. Kari Gares said. “COVID-19 has been hard on many families and from a mental health perspective, this would be helpful. Having said that, I think there is more work to do until I feel a little more comfortable.”

“I really like this idea. I’m of the opinion that if we allow propane barbecues, this is simple. You can use propane barbecues during fire bans. I wonder if we could just change the bylaw by adding propane fire pits,” Coun. Brian Quiring said.

“This would be under the PHO (Public Health Officer) orders. This isn’t so you could have a huge fire pit,. It’s meant for families, which is your bubble,” Anderson said. “This is meant for winter. We could put a stop date on it.”

The City of Calgary program that allows both wood burning and propane fire pits in several parks from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. has been very well received, council said.

City administration will bring back changes to bylaws for consideration at the January 11 council meeting.