People sit around a bonfire. File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / FotoVikaPeople sit around a bonfire. File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / FotoVika
Midwestern

Owen Sound makes changes to rules on open-air fires

New rules are on the way for the City of Owen Sound regarding illegal backyard fires and fireworks.

Council recently approved the changes following a review of complaints over the last number of years, with the biggest change seeing open-air fires on properties with multiple dwellings, like townhouses, prohibited under the new rules.

Furthermore, the new rules will allow property owners or occupiers to be ticketed for violations of outdoor fire and fireworks bylaws.

Cooking fires and fires for warmth are permitted open fire exceptions, provided they are not contrary to any listed rules in the city's bylaws.
Outdoor gas fireplaces are also now covered under the open-air fire bylaw.

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