HomeMy WebLinkAboutBYL 05-24Report to
Council
Report Number: BYL 05-24
Date: December 16, 2024
From: Paul Bigioni
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor
Subject: Use of Charcoal Barbeques in City Parks
File: L-2200
Recommendation:
1.That Report BYL 05-24 regarding the use of charcoal barbeques in City of Pickering parks
be received;
2.That staff be directed to consider the use of charcoal barbeques in the design or redesign
of any City of Pickering parks;
3.That permits under Parks By-law 5495/99 for the use of charcoal barbeques be issued by
Community Services with a permit fee of $20.00, that such fee be added to the Fees and
Charges By-law and that Council approve the amendment to the Fees and Charges By-
law 6191/03 (Attachment 2) required to give effect to this change;
4.That the fee specified in the Fees and Charges By-law for permitted park use be
eliminated for groups of 0-24 people, and that the said fee be set at $53.00 for groups of
25-49 people, and that Council approve the amendment to the Fees and Charges By-law
6191/03 (Attachment 2) required to give effect to this change;
5.That permit applications for the use of charcoal barbecues (Attachment 1) be accepted
only for the parks listed in this report; and
6.That appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take such action as
necessary to give effect to the recommendations in this report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to respond to Resolution #550/24
which directed staff to investigate and assess potential amendments to Parks By-law 5495/99
that would permit the use of charcoal barbecues (BBQ) in City of Pickering (City) parks
(excluding Pickering’s Waterfront). Staff have reviewed best practices both within the Region
of Durham and outside of it. Many municipalities do not allow charcoal BBQs but there are
some that allow it through the issuance of a permit.
Staff from Fire Services, Operations, Community Services, and Municipal Law Enforcement
Services propose that charcoal BBQs be used in approved parks in designated areas and only
with a permit. This will allow the use to be monitored and action to be taken if there is any
damage or fires associated with the use. Since the Parks By-law 5495/99, Section 11(b)
permits the use of charcoal BBQs with a permit, amendments to By-law 5495/99 will not
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BYL 05-24 December 16, 2024
Subject: Use of Charcoal Barbeques in City Parks Page 2
be required. Please note that propane BBQs are currently permitted without a permit providing
a safe and clean option to residents and visitors.
Staff recommend that the Fees and Charges By-law be amended to introduce a new fee of
$20.00 and a permit process for anyone wishing to use a charcoal BBQ in a designated park.
A permit application would be required for a charcoal BBQ regardless of the number of people
applying.
Staff recommend that the Fees and Charges By-law be amended so that a fee is no longer
required for gatherings of 24 persons or less, and a fee of $53.00 would be charged for park
permits for groups of 25-49 persons. This recommendation creates better alignment with the
Parks Bylaw 5495/99, Section 12(a) that states while in any park, no person shall, unless
authorized by permit, hold a picnic, organized gathering or event for more than 25 persons.
The use of the park by groups of 24 people and less is considered passive use, and the
recommended amendment provides better clarity that park permits and associated fees come
into effect when gatherings exceed 25 persons.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe &
Healthy Community.
Financial Implications: The cost of installing coal disposal units is anticipated to be
$1,000.00, and would be covered by the existing Current Budget. There will also be nominal
costs associated with installing additional signage in select City parks. Staff recommend a
$20.00 permit fee for a charcoal BBQ permit. Revenue from these permits will be used to
offset administrative costs for permit issuance, and increased park maintenance for safe coal
waste disposal.
Total 2024 year-to-date revenues from Park Permits amount to $3,600.00. The
recommendations in this report, if adopted by Council, would result in a loss of approximately
$1,000.00 in revenues per year.
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to respond to Resolution #550/24 which directed
staff to investigate and assess potential amendments to Parks By-law 5495/99 that would
permit the use of charcoal BBQ in City parks (excluding Pickering’s Waterfront).
1. Charcoal BBQ use poses a hazard to park use.
City staff have investigated the ability to permit charcoal BBQs in City parks. Staff discussed
concerns related to fire safety, smoke generation, clean-up, damage to infrastructure, and
potential injuries from hot coals. Staff identified potential concerns and the recommended
permit process provides a mechanism to hold BBQ users accountable for damage or misuse of
parks, as well as a record of use for charcoal BBQs and an accurate understanding of the
demand for this type of amenity in parks.
BYL 05-24 December 16, 2024
Subject: Use of Charcoal Barbeques in City Parks Page 3
2.Additional safety measures will be implemented in parks to mitigate the fire risk of
charcoal BBQ use.
Fire Services expressed concerns about possible fire spread on windy days, the potential for
secondary fires through the improper disposal of embers, debris and injuries to the public.
There are also concerns related to smoke and cooking smells that may impact users in other
parts of the park or nearby residents. To address these concerns, charcoal BBQs should only
be used in specific areas of designated City parks which have the appropriate size and
configuration. The designated City parks include:
1. Brockridge Park
2.Centennial Park
3. Creekside Park
4.Rick Johnson Memorial Park
5. Whitevale Park
To reduce risk, Parks staff propose a setback of 30 metres from any playground or sports field
and 50 metres from any splashpad. Additionally, a setback from adjoining residences is
recommended. Parks that are operated by the City under a land lease or other agreement may
not be considered if the property owner is not in support of this use. BBQs are not permitted at
parks governed by a lease agreement with Ontario Power Generation.
Disposal of hot coals also poses a challenge. Unless disposal bins are installed, there is a risk
of fire or injury from used coals that remain on site. Accordingly, staff recommend that suitable
coal disposal bins are purchased and installed by the City at approved sites. A section of
concrete culvert can serve as a bin (as is currently done in Petticoat Creek Park). Bins need to
be emptied only once per season. It is anticipated that the cost for these bins would be
approximately $1,000.00. Costs will be covered by the Current Budget, Parks cost centre.
Appropriate signs are recommended for designated parks, to clarify where charcoal BBQs can
be placed. The cost for any required signage will be covered by Current Budget, Parks cost
centre without the need for an increase. Charcoal BBQs should not be placed on picnic tables,
grass or any wooden surface. It is recommended that charcoal BBQs are a free-standing type
that, if placed on grass, will not cause fire or damage to the grass. It is also not advisable to
allow them to be used in shelters or structures, due to potential risk of damage or fire.
3. Charcoal BBQs are permitted in about 50% of surveyed municipalities.
Staff conducted a review of municipal practices related to charcoal use in parks, including the
fees associated with the use of booking a park and/or picnic shelter. The review also included
conservation authority lands. Of those surveyed, 50% have banned the use of charcoal due to
various safety and risk factors, and the cost associated with clean up following a park event. Of
those allowing the use of charcoal BBQs, the majority of municipalities require permits to be
completed in order to have advanced knowledge of park usage, to properly manage park
usage during the event, and to ensure clean-up following the event. Staff in other
municipalities have reported concerns related to the use of charcoal BBQs and proactively
conduct enforcement related to their use.
BYL 05-24 December 16, 2024
Subject: Use of Charcoal Barbeques in City Parks Page 4
All but one municipality require the use of permanent BBQ structures provided on site. Staff
are recommending that the use of charcoal BBQ’s be allowed only through the issuance of a
City permit and in designated parks in order to ensure the safety of the many residents and
visitors that use the City’s park system.
The following chart summarizes the results of staff’s best practice scan related to charcoal
BBQ use in other municipalities, and (where available) applicable park permit fees.
City/Town/
Township
Charcoal
Use
Banned
Unrestricted
Charcoal
permitted
without a
Permit
Charcoal use
permitted with a
permit only
Charcoal
use
permitted in
City/TRCA
provided
BBQ pits
Fees related
to Park Rental
and/or BBQ
use
Richmond
Hill
X - Allowed by
licenced/approved
Vendor only
Picnic Shelter:
$420/day
resident
$695/day non-
resident
Aurora X
Toronto X - Permit is
required for
groups of 26 or
more; no permit
for 25 or less on a
first-come first-
serve basis
unless someone
arrives with a
permit
X
In
designated
parks
Park and/or
Picnic Shelter
$120/Day +
Insurance
Mississauga X
Groups with 25+
people
X
In
designated
parks
Park
Permit/Day, 25
people+ –
Resident
$102.66, Non-
Resident
$112.93; Park
& Picnic
Permit/Day,
25+ people –
Resident $148.35, Non-
BYL 05-24 December 16, 2024
Subject: Use of Charcoal Barbeques in City Parks Page 5
City/Town/
Township
Charcoal
Use
Banned
Unrestricted
Charcoal
permitted
without a
Permit
Charcoal use
permitted with a
permit only
Charcoal
use
permitted in
City/TRCA
provided
BBQ pits
Fees related
to Park Rental
and/or BBQ
use
Resident
$163.19
Brampton X
Vaughan X
Scugog X
Ajax X
Oshawa X
Whitby X
Clarington Under review –
have one park
available with a
picnic shelter
where a BBQ
could be used.
No decision yet
St
Catherines
X X
Two parks
only
Park Fees:
Half Day
$102.70; Full
Day $194.10, +
insurance
Pavilion
Rental: Half
Day $128.25,
Full Day
$256.45, +
insurance
Kawartha
Lakes
X
BYL 05-24 December 16, 2024
Subject: Use of Charcoal Barbeques in City Parks Page 6
City/Town/
Township
Charcoal
Use
Banned
Unrestricted
Charcoal
permitted
without a
Permit
Charcoal use
permitted with a
permit only
Charcoal
use
permitted in
City/TRCA
provided
BBQ pits
Fees related
to Park Rental
and/or BBQ
use
Brock X
Barrie X
Allowed in
in-land
parks.
Disposal
bins
provided
X
Restricted to
permanent
BBQ sites at
4 waterfront
parks only
No fees apply,
first-come,
first-serve
basis
Newmarket X X
At Fairy Lake
Park only
(Park under
Lake Simcoe
Conservation
Authority).
Permit is
required
Petticoat
Creek Park
(TRCA)
X
6 sites
available
1-7 people
$21.85; 8+
people $43.70
Milliken
Park –
Richmond
Hill (TRCA)
X $10/day park
entry fee on
weekends, free
Monday-Friday
4.A simplified permit process and user fee will be implemented to support charcoal
BBQ use in parks.
Community Services staff have created a permit process for the use of charcoal BBQs in
approved parks. The Park Permit Application Form is Attachment 1 to this report. The
permit process will be advertised to residents on the City website.
BYL 05-24 December 16, 2024
Subject: Use of Charcoal Barbeques in City Parks Page 7
Staff are recommending that a new fee of $20.00 be applied to permit use of a charcoal BBQ.
This fee will be applied toward the costs of permit issuance, clean-up, purchase and
installation of coal receptacles, and disposal of the coal following an event or gathering.
Propane BBQs are already permitted without a permit under Parks By-law 5495/99. Propane
BBQs are the safer and preferred method of cooking in City parks. They present a much lower
risk of fire or injury. This is consistent with municipal best practices.
Staff will provide information to residents through the City’s website to explain the process for
obtaining a permit to use a charcoal BBQ. Staff recommend monitoring the number of permits
and any concerns related to charcoal BBQ use during the 2025 season and may make
recommendations for changes to the program. Should there be public interest in expanding
charcoal BBQ use to other City parks, this can be considered after the 2025 season.
5.Staff recommend that Park Permit fees for groups of 24 persons and less be
eliminated for better alignment with the Parks By-law
Staff are recommending that the City’s current and approved 2025 Fees and Charges By-law
be amended to: (a) permit use of parks by groups of up to 24 persons at no charge, and (b)
permit use of parks by groups of 25-49 persons for a fee of $53.00. This would change the
current fee structure, which sets the fee of $53.00 for groups of 1-49 persons. The current fee
of $158.00 for groups of 50-199 persons would remain unchanged.
Attachments:
1.Park Permit Application Form
2.Amendment to Fees and Charges By-law 6191/03
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Jason Litoborski, CPSO Paul Bigioni
Manager, Municipal Law Enforcement Services Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor
Stephen Boyd
Fire Chief
Original Signed By:Original Signed By:
Original Signed By:
BYL 05-24 December 16, 2024
Subject: Use of Charcoal Barbeques in City Parks Page 8
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Nigel Robinson
Deputy Fire Chief
Robert Gagen
Manager, Parks & Property
Marilou Murray
Manager, Community Services
Administration & Strategic Initiatives
JL:ks
Original Signed By:
Original Signed By:
Original Signed By:
Original Signed By:
Attachment 1 to Report BYL 05-24
Picnic Shelter & General Park Rental Request
This application form will be submitted electronically to facilitybooking@pickering.ca
and you will receive a copy via email.
Your request will be reviewed by Park Booking Staff, and you will be advised as to the
status of your request by a Customer Service Representative. This is a rental request
and does not guarantee, secure, or hold the facility/date/time. Bookings are not
considered firm until payment has been made, all applicable documentation has been
received and a rental permit has been created. Applications are reviewed and
processed on a first-come, first-serve basis during regular office hours (Monday to
Friday 7:30 am - 6:00 pm)
If you require additional information about this process, please contact Park Booking
Staff at 905.420.4623.
Age: I acknowledge that I am at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of
booking and will be present at the outdoor facility during the permitted hours.
*Required Field
Applicant Information
Permit Holder Last Name*
Permit Holder First Name*
Address*
City / Town*
Postal Code*
Email*
Contact
Are you booking on behalf of a non-profit Pickering organization? *
Yes ☐ No ☐
Rental Request
Requested Date*
Time requested to access park or picnic shelter *
Time vacated from park or picnic shelter *
Location *
Event type/name (ex. Meeting, Birthday, Shower, Picnic) *
Number of people attending *
Number*
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Please note that Alcohol is not permitted in any outdoor public park, picnic
shelter, or gazebo.
Park Permit Conditions:
Licensee wishing to cancel or alter their Permit must give written notice thirty (30) days
Summary of activities taking place / event details *
The permit will need to be paid for in full at the time of booking. It will also need to be
signed and returned to the department by the permit holder at least 20 days prior to the
date of the event. Payment will need to be made over the phone. Accepted methods of
payment include VISA, MasterCard, Debit, or Cheque (payable to: City of Pickering)
Clean-up following park/picnic shelter use is the sole responsibility of the licensee.
Garbage should be placed in garbage receptacles and all personal items removed.
Insurance Requirements: It is the responsibility of the licensee to provide or purchase
from the City a certificate of general liability insurance naming the City of Pickering as
an additional insured in the minimum amount of $2 million per occurrence (events of
higher risk may require $5 million minimum). Rates are to be determined based on the
type of function and number of attendees.
BBQ Use Requirements:
Propane: It is the sole responsibility of the licensee to ensure the barbeque is in a safe
operating location (as identified in mapping) and the area surrounding the barbeque is
barricaded to the best of their ability to ensure the safety of all park users. A permit is
required for any gathering of 25 persons or greater. A fee applies for any permit with 25
persons or greater – please refer to current Fees and Charges By-law for applicable
fees. No person shall use any appliance in any way considered a hazard or in any way
not intended.
Charcoal: A permit is required for all charcoal BBQ uses in City of Pickering Parks
regardless of the size of your event/gathering. Please refer to current Fees and Charges
By-law for applicable fees. The use of charcoal BBQ’s is only permitted in approved
parks as identified by the City of Pickering. A 30-metre setback is required from any
playground or sports field, or property line, and a 50-metre setback is required for any
splashpad. Due to safety reasons, the use of charcoal BBQ’s will not be issued when
there are other permitted group activities or events in the same park. Hot coals are to be
disposed of in an authorized, City supplied charcoal disposal bin. No table-top charcoal
BBQ’s or the use of such equipment is allowed in any gazebo/structures or allowed to
be placed on any picnic table. Charcoal BBQs are not permitted at parks governed by a
lease agreement with Ontario Power Generation (Bayridges Kinsmen Park, Alex
Robertson Park, Beachfront Park). No person shall use any appliance in any way
considered a hazard or in any way not intended. The migration of embers and coal is
not permitted and shall be the responsibility of the licensee.
Signature of Applicant/Licensee *
Attachment 2 to Report BYL 05-24
Draft By-law to Amend By-law 6191/03
General Municipal Fees
The Corporation of the City of Pickering
By-law No. XXXX/24
Being a by-law to amend By-law 6191/03 to confirm
General Municipal Fees
Whereas the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering enacted By-law
6191/03, as amended, on October 14, 2003 to confirm general municipal fees.
Whereas Schedule “I” to By-law 6191/03 was updated and replaced under By-law,
6338/04,By-law 6519/05, By-law 6652/06, By-law 6677/06, By-law 6748/07 By-law
6857/08, By-law6951/09, By-law 7032/10, By-law 7119/11, By-law 7194/12, By-law
7268/13, By-law 7339/14,By-law 7411/15, By-law 7478/16, By-law 7542/17, By-law
7605/18, By-law 7679/19, By-law7740/20, By-law 7823/21, By-law 7918/22, By-law
7983/23, By-law 8017/23; By-law 8065/23; By-law 7982/23; and By-law 8140/24;
Now therefore the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering hereby enacts as
follows:
1. Schedule “I” to By-law 6191/03, as amended, is hereby revised by adding a new
fee titled “Charcoal BBQ Fee” under Park Fees within Community Services as
set out in Schedule “I” attached hereto.
2. Schedule “I” to By-law 6191/03, as amended, is hereby revised by changing the
“Park Permit Fee (0-49) Per Day” to “Park Permit Fee (25-49) Per Day” under
Park Fees within Community Services as set out in Schedule “I” attached hereto.
By-law passed this XX day of XXXX, 2024.
Kevin Ashe, Mayor
Susan Cassel, City Clerk
Draft By-law to amend Schedule “I” to the General Municipal Fees
and Charges By-law 6191/03 as amended
Community Services
Parks Fees
User Fee or
Charge
2025 Fee New Fee HST
Charcoal BBQ
Fee
N/A $20.00 Y
Park Permit Fee
(25-49) Per Day
$53.00 $53.00 Y
I I
1