Urgent Reminder Regarding Smoke Control Regulations

We will be opening up backyard burning with permits on Friday for the month of October and for the months following to April 1st, 2022, no permits are required.  This is not true for the rest of the communities in the Cowichan Valley Regional District, including Area G (Thetis Island is located in Area G).  All CVRD areas are restricted to only two open burning periods during the year…March 15 to April 15, and October 15 to November 15.  During those two periods the open burns must meet ALL provincial smoke control regulations. 

We have argued successfully in the past that Thetis Island be treated differently due to our restricted access to CVRD waste sites for disposal of coarse woody debris and our location.  We urge you to follow the Provincial Smoke Control Act regulations when deciding to have an open burn this fall, winter, and spring.  Failure to comply, such as burning on days prohibited by the Venting Index, burning continuing after the allowed time of day, unattended burning etc. could result in Thetis Island losing the special considerations afforded our island by the Regional District.  We would then be forced to comply to the schedule set out by the CVRD for the rest of the region.  Please follow the venting index rules and open burning regulations.  Non-compliance could affect everyone else’s ability to burn yard waste during the months ahead. 

Thank you, 

TIVFD