Collingwood council unanimously voted to reconsider the bylaw, passed two weeks ago, to regulate open-air burning.

The ban applies to all open-air burning, unless it was being done on a working farm.

Council chose to reconsider the ban after hearing a presentation from Collingwood resident Murray Kierans.

Kierans, who lives on Georgian Manor Drive, said he and his waterfront neighbours were upset at the decision to pass the bylaw, as those who received permits in 2007 were not informed of the decision and didn't have any opportunity to voice their objection to the ban.

"It ignited a firestorm of protest," Kierans said.

Mayor Chris Carrier said he took responsibility for allowing council to pass the bylaw on the same week the staff report was received for information.

Kierans said many of the residents on his street received the permits to burn brush, driftwood, twigs and other items that washed up on the shoreline. He said he burns items in a pit which is surrounded by boulders, and it doesn't pose a threat to his home or his neighbours.

"This shoreline debris is unsightly, smelly and is a breeding ground for mosquitoes," he said.

He said a lot of neighbours conduct their burning in conjunction with a cookout and, since the debris burns quickly, there is very little smoke.

"Roadside collection is not adequate," he said.

Kierans said bonfires and camp fires are a tradition along the waterfront and said the area is part of Collingwood's heritage, and the "heart and soul," of the community.

Kierans said he met with CAO Gordon Norris and Fire Chief Sandy Cunningham, and Cunningham couldn't provide him with statistics about how many open-air burns have caused serious damage to people and property.

Kierans said he was told by Cunningham that the main reason for the ban was to absolve the town of legal liability if a fire was caused by a town-issued burn permit.

Kierans compared the issue to animal control, saying dogs can be a nuisance but the town deals with them through a control bylaw rather than a ban.

Counc. Tim McNabb said he would like to see the town develop a bylaw similar to the one in effect in the Town of Wasaga Beach.