A new online system makes it easier for property owners to acquire and activate a burn permit.
“We are excited to launch this new system and enhance the service we provide to the community,” says Robert Rutter, Fire Chief, Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue. “The new system streamlines the process. Property owners can pay for and activate permits right from their home, which is especially important right now as people are asked to limit their travel to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Property owners can now go to pec.burnpermits.com to sign up for an account and then purchase a burn permit. Once they have purchased a burn permit online, they can download it immediately at home.
A video tutorial will help guide property owners through the process of setting up an account.
Burn permits purchased before April 12, 2021 remain valid. Those permit holders must continue to call 613.476.7232 or 613.962.3497 to activate their permit before every burn event.
Individuals with multiple properties
Individuals who own multiple properties in Prince Edward County will now only need to buy one burn permit. When those property owners create a burn permit account using the new online system, they will have the option of adding all property addresses to their account before purchasing the permit. When they go online or call to activate your permit, they must indicate the property where the burn will take place.
Short-term accommodation owners / operators
Short-term accommodation (STA) owners / operators are responsible for obtaining a STA burn permit for their property and explaining the permit system to their guests. A copy of the burn permit along with instructions for activating the permit must be posted in all STAs. Guests must activate the burn permit before every fire.
Owners of multiple STAs need to acquire individual STA burn permits for each property but only have to pay a one-time fee of $20 for all burn permits. Before paying online for the burn permits, STA owners / operators must call 613.476.2345 and PEC Fire and Rescue will ensure they are charged the correct amount.
A video tutorial helps explain the process to STA owners / operators.
Important burn reminders
To have a fire in Prince Edward County, you must hold a current permit and activate it every day that you are burning. The types of fires permitted under the municipal by-law include brush piles, burn barrels, outdoor fireplaces/chimineas, and campfires. You do not require a burn permit for an outdoor furnace (to heat a building) or a propane-fueled fire pit.
To check the burn status in Prince Edward County, visit www.thecounty.ca or call 613.476.2345. Currently, a partial burn ban is in place as of April 12. Burning is restricted to a container with a screened top or a small campfire.
For more information or if you require assistance setting up your account using the new burn permit system, email fire@pecounty.on.ca or call 613.476.2345.
Service modernization
The updated burn permit system is part of a broader effort by the County of Prince Edward to improve customer service, increase efficiency, and reduce the amount of paper consumed.
By leveraging provincial modernization funding, the County intends to implement an integrated software solution to support a number of processes. The software will save staff time, increase customer service standards, allow for more online payment options, improve tracking and reporting, and give staff greater ability to make timelier and evidence-based decisions.
In addition, the County is currently pursuing an online booking system for recreation facilities and implementing a new payroll / human resources system. The municipality has bolstered its public consultation work with the launch of a new online platform in 2020. And the municipality has eliminated paper agendas and improved communication by providing councillors with tablets.