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The City of St. Catharines and the Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park are planning to hold their semi-annual controlled burn sometime in March or April.
St. Catharines Fire Services have given the green light for the four to six-hour burn to take place depending on temperatures and wind direction.
The controlled burn will promote the growth of native grass species by adding essential nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen from the ash back to the soil. It will also reduce invasive species which tend to shade out native plants in the prairie grassland area of the park. Prior to the burn, volunteers will carefully walk the area and observe if wildlife like reptiles, amphibians, or nesting birds are present, and take steps to ensure their safety.
Notices will be delivered to neighbours and nearby schools to inform them about the specific date. Residents should plan for the park to be closed for approximately six hours on the day of the burn.
The Friends will wait for a time when weather conditions are expected to be ideal to ensure that the smoke will rise straight up without impacting surrounding properties, however, winds can be unpredictable and changing conditions could lead to some smoke reaching neighbouring residences.
Anyone with property surrounding the park, including schools, should keep windows, doors and chimney flues closed as a precaution. Individuals with a sensitivity to smoke should plan to stay indoors.
The exact date of the controlled burn will be posted on the City’s social media channels once it is determined.
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