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Doctor’s note now required for sensitive receptor status

June 29, 2023   ·   0 Comments

JAMES MATTHEWS, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Orangeville residents will need a note from a physician to be listed as a sensitive receptor to airborne pollutants.

Following a discussion in May about the town’s Individual Sensitive Receptor Program, council asked staff to look into its effectiveness. As a result, there were no proposed changes to the program at that time.

Council heard on June 19 that staff have determined the program is a beneficial tool that aims to ensure those with health issues are not subjected to unnecessary smoke. Staff proposed to continue with the program until the bylaw is up for renewal but to make slight adjustments.

After consultations with both medical and legal professionals, it’s recommended the applicants submit a medical note from a doctor stating the applicant has a medical condition that makes them eligible for the Sensitive Receptor Registry. This note will not disclose the medical diagnosis, according to a report by staff to council.

Staff intend to provide potential sensitive receptors with a document outlining the parameters of the program and how their patient/the applicant can be assisted by the program.

“The note would be verified and logged by town staff, and then destroyed for the protection and privacy of the applicant,” according to the report.

With new geographic information system mapping (GIS) technologies, it is now feasible for staff to assess a burn permit applicant’s location of the burn unit instead of property line to property line.

The standard measurement is a 45-metre radius from the sensitive receptor’s property line. A more precise measurement will allow more individuals to receive a burn permit and not be impacted by a sensitive receptor. 

If you are ineligible for a burn permit because of a sensitive receptor, Orangeville Fire Department recommends using a propane or natural gas fireplace.

Councillor Joe Andrews said the report undoubtedly has many people on edge. He’s tried to put himself in the same shoes as those people who are affected by backyard fire pit smoke.

“I don’t suffer from being sensitive,” he said.

The guidelines for granting sensitive receptor status doesn’t take into account wind patterns, he said.

Coun. Andy Macintosh said that when he originally wrote the sensitive receptor bylaw, there were details that dealt with the wind.

“I don’t know if it’s changed, but there was a stipulation about windy days,” Macintosh said. “You were not allowed.”

Heather Savage, the town’s general manager of community services, confirmed that the stipulation about windy days remains in the legislation.

“The reality is that if there’s a complaint from a neighbour and the fire department comes, the fire goes out,” said Deputy Mayor Todd Taylor. “If it’s windy and it’s bothering people, it will go out.”

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