Dear Editor:
To those of you who are saying that fireplaces are among the great evils of society, it’s time to get a life.
How about we bamd together and stop the smoking of cigarettes, manly raspberry vape and the soon-to-be smoking of “legal” pot on the streets and other public places? Those three right there pose some of the great annoyances that waft through my window. Not to mention their potential health issues.
How about noise of motorbikes and other purposely loud motor vehicles? Illegal left-hand turns into crowded crosswalks. Speeding. Or litterbugs.
How about storefront owners who don’t clean up after their customers. People peeing and pooping in my back alley. Mass condo building. Lack of parks. Lack of educational support at all levels. Lack of green space …
Most people who own a fireplace use it only a handful times a month. Are fireplaces efficient? No. Should they be used during a low air-quality period? Likely not.
New Westminster has many more issues to worry about before we start banning something as simple as a fireplace.
Shawn Ridout, New Westminster
