Wood Stove Issues in Nanaimo

[Sly fox]

Have you talked to your problem neighbor? Currently there is a program offered by the district to help pay for newer more effcient wood stoves. If this person would be willing to talk to you the information may be readily accepted by the neighbor. Here is a link to the Wood Stove Exchange program offered: http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=2435

As far as bylaws being broken I do not think there is anything that you can do. As an alternative though the seniors complex as well as local residents could offer a little money to help offset the costs for the owner to swap out the stove if he cannot afford to do the swap all by himself. I know this does not sound fair but it is an option that could benefit everyone.

[Reyth]

I also wanted to say that the house I was talking about is on Milton Street close to Comox Road. I would love to know if anyone reading this lives nearby and also has an issue with the house. I don't want to say the address because that would be nasty, but anyone living close by will know the house I mean. And I just want to know if it is an issue for them as well.
Thanks.

As for money being an issue, and a reason to keep burning in a belching smoking mess of a woodstove or fireplace, I am on disability due to health issues, and we are way below the poverty line. So when people say they are going to continue using something that makes my health issues even harder to deal with, because they don't have money, I have to wonder what is going on. Because I am as poor as they come and I can still manage to pay for heating. And now there are ceramic heaters out there that are so energy efficient it is on par with the cost of wood per year, and may even be cheaper.
I just hate when people put themselves before anyone else around them. And we wonder why no one gives a crap about anyone else these days. I would never burn in a defective wood-stove or chimney knowing full well how it can affect people. Have you ever seen a toddler at the hospital during an asthma attack. If you those of you, who support burning at all costs, had perhaps you would change your minds. Did you know that Nanaimo's child asthma rates are way higher than the province's average. And Harewood is the highest? So next time you fire up that belching wood-stove, think about the kids living nearby. And please don't fire back at me in support of wood-stoves and fireplaces, unless you are talking about those that burn cleanly. Those I have NO problem with.

And once again, if anyone lives near Milton and Comox near the railroad tracks please let me know if smoke is an issue and especially if one particular house's chimney smoke is an issue. Thanks.

[Reyth]

Thanks so much for the information Sly. It was helpful, and yes you are right it is not fair to have to give money, but if all the neighbours chipped in it would benefit all of us, and also never hurts to help a neighbour. Unfortunately, not sure if they will go for it, from the yelling I hear over there all the time, not sure if they will be receptive. But never hurts to try either. Thanks again Sly Fox.

[All Ages Music Concerts]

Phone the City of Nanaimo regarding a burning complaint?

[Sly fox]

Thanks so much for the information Sly. It was helpful, and yes you are right it is not fair to have to give money, but if all the neighbours chipped in it would benefit all of us, and also never hurts to help a neighbour. Unfortunately, not sure if they will go for it, from the yelling I hear over there all the time, not sure if they will be receptive. But never hurts to try either. Thanks again Sly Fox.

Your welcome. There is a meeting tommorow you might be able to attend to ask questions regarding this issue.

Nanaimo City Council Meeting
Monday, Nov. 14, 2011 - 7:00 PM
Shaw Auditorium
Vancouver Island Convention Centre

[In The Know]

... I am having a problem with a neighbour who is constantly burning night and day in his chimney. Tonight I went outside and immediately the smell of burning plastic was overwhelming. My throat was burning and it made me feel quite ill. This is not an uncommon occurrence. Most days the smoke is heavy and on more than a few occasions when there is a temperature inversion we can barely see the ground three stories below. This is all from one chimney. My husband has asthma and starts coughing when the neighbour starts burning in the fall.

What you describe is totally unacceptable and especially, in residential neighbourhoods, where people are living in close proximity to one another and in a City, which is advertised as most desirable to live in. If you have not done so, you should contact the Environmental Planner at the City of Nanaimo, as well as the Bylaw Department, as I am told that it has been tracking complaints about excessive residential smoke emissions in neighbourhoods.

Rob Lawrance, Environmental Planner, City of Nanaimo
250-755-4483 (phone)

You could start by obtaining from Rob, the educational materials on burning, which can be provided to your neighbour. There is no lack of glossy brochures that are produced by senior levels of government and the BC Lung Association in Vancouver.

The provincial government has been providing funding to the City for a program to deal with the issue that you describe and, of course, as it is health-related, the BC Lung Association is also involved with the program. The topic is on the agenda of the Environment Committee, which is an advisory committee to Nanaimo City Council.

The legal community would be aware that what you describe is a form of “nuisance”, which is no different than loud music/noise from a neighbour's residence, or the constant barking of a neighbour's dog.