Camp fires on Sebastian Beach, a popular area activity, are no longer allowed after lengthy discussions. (Submitted)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fire ban

Fires banned indefinitely at popular Lantzville beach

May 31, 2019 | 4:10 AM

LANTZVILLE — Buried in a recently approved bylaw for the community of Lantzville is a decision which had become a flashpoint for the community.

“No open air fires are permitted on any beach within the boundaries of the District of Lantzville at any time,” the fire protection services bylaw approved on Monday reads.

The bylaw nixes the opportunity for area residents to have a campfire at Sebastian Beach, which is a popular night time activity. Portable propane fires are allowed between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

District of Lantzville councillors said they’ve seen the issue divide the community and it was discussed at length by residents during previous council meetings.

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Sebastion Rd. resident Steve Thomas said he was in favour of a total fire ban to eliminate people from outside of Lantzville coming into the community.

“We have people coming from all over Nanaimo because Lantzville is one of the few places where you can have a fire on the beach,” he said in a previous meeting. “I’m against them on our beaches because of the quantity.”

Dozens of fires illuminating Lantzville’s waterfront during a weekend evening is not uncommon. It was the only area south of Courtenay which allowed beach fires.

Anyone caught with a campfire on the beach could face a $500 fine.

One of the main issues, referenced by councillors and concerned citizens alike, was the amount of garbage left littering the beach. Burned pallets still with nails in them left smouldering in the sand was also discussed.

Given the issues around usage and littering, several people spoke in favour of keeping campfires on the beach and finding a way to mitigate any concerns.

“I’m suggesting we implement and enforce better rules around the size (of fires), time they’re put out and how they’re put out,” Patricia Good told councillors. She runs an Island Health program called Healthy Lifestyles and said the loss of an outdoor activity along the water in nature would be “a backwards step in building a healthy community.”

Though the idea was discussed, creating a committee to research alternative regulations was unanimously defeated by councillors during Monday’s meeting.

Concern about the staff time required to run and implement the committee was brought up as a major factor in defeating the idea.

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