Residents of a White Rock neighbourhood have asked city officials to deal “urgently” with their concerns about wood-burning smoke emanating from a city-owned rental house on Prospect Avenue.
A petition delivered to council members with their Oct. 29 agenda bears 19 signatures of residents living near the 14900-block of Prospect.
“We object to the nuisance and pollution caused by wood-burning appliances within city limits,” the petition states.
“In particular, the city-owned residence at 14925 Prospect Ave. burns wood during colder months. The resultant wood smoke and its particulates hang in the ravine and the neighbourhood, causing irritation, nuisance and disturbance to the comfort and enjoyment of the neighbourhood and persons nearby.”
An Oct. 11 letter signed by Mike and Emilie Campbell notes the petition represents an “overwhelming majority” of neighbours; one of three who declined to sign is a city employee, the Campbells add.
According to the letter, the issue was first raised to former director of municipal operations Rob Thompson in March, and again to new director Greg St. Louis in August.
Among petitioners’ requests is for council to “eliminate the fire hazard… which could spread to the sensitive ravine forest adjacent.”
Council voted unanimously to refer the petition to staff for review.