Backyard firepits a health hazard

For years, my son has suffered the devastating effects of wood smoke on his health from neighbours’ backyard burning.

For two years, council has been considering these changes based on the information brought forth from the Lung Association, Health Canada, the EPA, Environment Canada and more.

They heard the countless stories from citizens whose health and quality of life were being jeopardized due to neighbours’ constant, unnecessary, incessant burning of wood.

The fire department confirmed the negative effects on human health and the contributions to climate change and put forth the recommendation of time restrictions.

On Dec. 18, in a 6-5 vote, restrictions of burning from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. were accepted. Coun. Darren Hill and Coun. Zach Jeffries (who has openly stated he personally enjoys wood burning and therefore doesn’t support changes) were opposed.

Jeffries and Hill’s active undermining of the decision of council is grossly inappropriate and in direct opposition to the democratic process.

The decision was already made. As members of city council, to provide links to petitions demanding that city council abandon their decision because it isn’t in Hill and Jeffries’ personal interests and to incite further civil upset on an already contentious issue in which the course of action has already been decided in the democratic process is unbefitting of their position.

Kaela Tennent, Saskatoon