Burning fee doubles; season April 1 to 30

NEWS/ CITY HALL — Open burning of yard and garden waste on properties of an acre or greater within Kamloops and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc will be allowed from April 1 to 30 if a permit is obtained.

City Hall says in a press release that permits come with conditions, including no burning outside the venting index, no burning after dark, and no burning on commercial or industrial properties as well as those less than an acre.

The fine for not complying is $500.

Permits for burning within the city must be picked up at Fire Station No. 1, 1205 Summit Drive. Phone: 250-372-5131 for more information.

Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. excluding holidays. A fee of $100 will be charged for the permit and cash or cheques are accepted. The fee used to be $50.

Permits for burning within the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc must be picked up starting April 2 at 345-345 Chief Alex Thomas Way. Phone 250-314-1570 for information.

For residents with properties less than one acre, the City recommends the following alternative disposal methods: Compost as much material as possible on your own property; or take green waste to one of the City’s three drop-off sites: Cinnamon Ridge, Eliza Road in Barnhartvale, or at the end of McGill Road. Further information is available atwww.kamloops.ca/garbage/yardwastesites.shtml.

For additional permit or venting index information,  call 250-372-5131 or visit www.kamloops.ca/firerescue.  Venting index information is updated daily after 8 a.m.