by Cape Breton Regional Councillors have voted to ask the province to help them deal with a burning issue.
The move comes after Council discussed smoke from outdoor furnaces that burn wood and coal at yesterday’s general committee meeting.
Councillor Eldon MacDonald says he has a constituent with a medical condition that has to keep his windows closed because of a neighbouring outdoor furnace.
Deputy Mayor George MacDonald says he’s also heard from people complaining about outdoor furnaces in his area.
Planning Director Malcolm Gillis prepared an issue paper on the subject and says it’s better to ask the province to deal with the problem than create a new municipal bylaw to regulate outdoor furnaces.
Gillis adds there are regulations under the Nova Scotia Health Protection Act on air quality.
He goes on to say another avenue would be the Department of Environment, which is responsible for air quality.
Council agreed to send letters to the provincial ministers of environment and health, asking them for help on the issue.