Hello, as a citizen of North Cowichan I think we need to address these issues of burning wisely not just banning altogether. From North Cowichan municipal page: PM2.5 is produced from all types of combustion including wood burning, forest fires and vehicles. Recent studies conducted for the Cowichan Valley have found that 53 per cent of total PM2.5 emissions resulted from open burning, 24 per cent from space heating, 14 per cent from the pulp and paper industry, six per cent from mobile sources such as vehicles and three per cent from miscellaneous sources.
Just from that I see a need to direct focus on open burning more than heating a home responsibly i.e.: seasoned dry wood at proper temperatures. We all can’t afford $400-plus Hydro bills every bill on top of all the other rising costs of living. Shelter, food and heat are necessary requirements of our life. I do understand the concern but I will continue to heat my home as efficiently as possible to keep my family warm (wood stove). I hope people in power make a wise choice in this matter regarding the whole community.
Jason Patterson
North Cowichan
