Bylaw amendments related to outdoor burning take effect

North Bay, ON – Feb. 23, 2022 – The City of North Bay’s amended bylaw regulating the setting of fires and the precautions to be taken with open-air burning and the use of gas fired outdoor appliances is now in effect.

The amended bylaw, which was approved by Council Tuesday following three readings, changes the times that outdoor fires are allowed within the City to between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. Previously, outdoor fires were permitted between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. A permit is still required for all open-air fires within City limits.

The change provides an additional 30 minutes of burning time and is expected to benefit young families, while helping to reduce nuisance complaints related to late-night burning.

Additionally, the amended bylaw repeals a restriction previously in place that prohibited the use of barbecues on balconies, roof tops or decks above the first storey of a building. It is now the responsibility of building owners, condominium boards and management representatives to determine if barbecues will be permitted.

North Bay Fire and Emergency Services personnel are available to offer guidance to building owners, condominium boards and management representatives regarding the changes.

The amended bylaw comes as a result of recent review of the rules previously in place.

 Please see the Burning Permits and By-Laws section for more details.