Burn ban and water restrictions lifted across North Durham

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

NORTH DURHAM: After weeks of hot, dry weather which saw restrictions in place across the region, the recent stretch of steady rain and cooler temperatures has prompted the lifting of both fire bans and water use restrictions in North Durham.

In conjunction with other Durham Region Fire Departments, the Townships of Uxbridge, Scugog, and Brock have lifted their burn bans, effective immediately. The decision was made collectively, after consultation between all Durham fire chiefs, along with neighbouring municipalities.

“Brock’s Fire Chief met with all Durham fire chiefs and decided to all lift [their burn bans] together, given the prolonged rain amount and colder temps. Georgina lifted their ban, as well as Ramara. The provincial fire safety risk has also been put to low for the area,” explained Brock Mayor Mike Jubb. “Fire Chiefs don’t just make a knee-jerk reaction. They definitely meet about these situations and take a whole bunch of factors into account, as they are professionals.”

Officials stressed, a valid burn permit is still required before starting any fire, and residents are reminded to monitor conditions closely and always burn responsibly. The Natural Resources Canada Fire Risk Map plays a key role in such decisions, and before Brock’s ban was lifted, federal modelling downgraded the fire risk across the township to “low.”

The Regional Municipality of Durham has also lifted its mandatory water restrictions, for residents and businesses in Beaverton, Cannington, Sunderland, Uxbridge, Port Perry, Orono, Blackstock and Greenbank.

Restrictions were first put in place during the prolonged dry spell earlier this summer. Now, with rainfall replenishing local systems, daily water usage, across the affected communities, dropped by as much as 10 to 15 percent during the restrictions.

While restrictions have been lifted, residents are reminded, “odd-even” lawn watering rules remain in effect, from May to September, as required under the Regional Water Supply By-law.

For water conservation tips, residents can visit durham.ca/WaterEfficiency or contact the Region’s Water Resources Monitoring and Protection Division.