Robert Corlett (Area E Candidate) views on open burning

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Robert Corlett Area E Candidate

Elphinstone is a community that places high value on protecting its rural character.

As the elected Director for Area E it would be my job to reflect the wishes of the majority of its citizens. When going door to door we have had several discussions on burning.

You may be interested in these comments and questions from Area E residents, which I have noted as I visit the constituency door to door:

Why is untreated dimension lumber included as Construction Waste if it is clear of additives?

Toxic materials, why would anyone intentionally burn these with today's knowledge? The greater community appears ready to accept a ban on this.

There is confusion between "Class B Burn Pile" and "Outdoor Fire."

People are unwilling to give up their right to have an outdoor fire for their enjoyment and heat their homes with wood. People are concerned that this is the thin end of the wedge that will eventually see them unable to enjoy their chosen lifestyle.

Education is an important part in changing how we think. When we had our present property cleared thirty years ago the contractor used tires and diesel to light the stump piles. I would not allow this today.

The majority of the population will respect the need of a few who have severe reaction to smoke when educated. Politeness goes a long way with most of us. I personally suffer severe headaches when exposed to perfumes, the smell from the heated paving oil that B A Blacktop stores uphill from my family, and excessive vehicle fumes. The management of B A Blacktop has been unwilling to meet with me to discuss how the situation could be improved. Every person that knows my reaction to perfume makes a conscious effort not to wear perfume around me. This was accomplished by having respectful conversations with them and giving consideration to there right to wear perfume. I had to stop attending Cap College because the closed circulation system made perfume ubiquitous throughout the building.

Am I in favour of implementing bylaw No. 598 for Elphinstone?

Not in its present form. From the comments and concerns that I am hearing going door to door it needs tweaking. There needs to be more education to have greater acceptance. There needs to be education and provision of methods to handle green waste instead of burning. If elected I will have public meetings on this issue to work towards finding a solution that respects the needs of the citizens of our community. I suspect that with proper education and provision of services we could end up with a bylaw that could further restrict burning and still allow outdoor fires and wood heat for our homes.

When I look at section 4 of the bylaw I have to wonder why a large property (1hectare plus) would need to burn green materials? You are welcome to come see the composting piles on our property, they are un-obtrusive and create tonnes of organic material for our gardens. We have been composting in this manner for thirty years and have had no problems. I think that section 4 of the Roberts Creek bylaw could be tougher once people understand its purpose and have a doable alternative.

Director Sugar has led the way, and it is time to head in this direction.

Leaning how to have a fire that creates less smoke is a constant learning curve. It is only in the last few years that I have gone to burning hotter fires that are built top down and without paper to start. Could I be further educated? Absolutely, could I further improve my burning habits? Absolutely, I will listen.

Thank you for eliciting a response from the candidates. The Sunshine Coast Clean Air Society does a great job of educating in a polite way that may not elicite change as fast as some would like, but the goal of cleaner air is being achieved. Now if we could only work on banning perfume.

Rob Corlett

Candidate for Area E