YORKTON — Yorkton Council is once again moving to tweak the city’s Fire Prevention Bylaw.
New suggested changes were brought to the regular meeting of Yorkton Council May 12, by Fire Chief Trevor Morrissey.
“At the December 16, 2024 Council Meeting, Council directed Administration to bring back the Fire Prevention Bylaw Amendments as approved at the September 9, 2024 Council Meeting. On December 16, 2024, the Yorkton Landlords Association made a presentation to council opposing the bylaw changes,” he explained.
“At that time administration committed to working with the association to find common ground.”
Morrissey noted “the landlords association has been absolutely wonderful to work with.”
The suggested amendments “follows a review of the Fire Prevention Bylaw amendments that were made in September 9, 2024,” said Morrissey.
The following are the suggested or potential amendments for the Fire Prevention Bylaw.
* relating to open-air fires (fire pits), protections for landlords requiring landlord approval for purchase of burning permit at rental properties.
* regarding Rental Housing Inspection Fees has been reviewed and updated. Fees have been reduced to highlight our focus on safety over revenue.
* regarding Emergency Response Charges has been reviewed and updated. Fees have been structured to better serve residential fire response cost recovery, with minimal to no impact on insurance rates. Rates reflect inclusion of staffing at no additional charge, and elimination of Command Unit charges.
* regarding Rental Housing License Fees has been reviewed and updated. Fees have been reduced to no charge (N/C) to further highlight our focus on safety over revenue.
While Council could have given the changes all three readings at the meeting, unanimous consent to do so was not achieved, so the matter will return in June for final approval.
