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Had to move out of Cowichan due to smoke

I had to leave my home in North Cowichan after being diagnosed with COPD
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Had to move out of Cowichan due to smoke

My name is John Sherry Sr. I lived worked and played in the Cowichan Valley for a good number of years and it saddens me deeply to hear that North Cowichan mayor and council is considering a bylaw that would allow backyard burning year round.

I coached minor league sports in the Valley for many years and have received awards of merit from both the provincial and governments of North Cowichan. I have family, wonderful friends, and neighbours and the last time I was there in the third week in May both my wife and I were very disappointed that when we turned onto Herd Road we had to close all the windows and turn on the AC because of the smoke from the fire or fires burning in the area.

I had to leave my home in North Cowichan after being diagnosed with COPD and a lung function of less than 43 per cent and having a hard time crossing the road to get the mail because of the smoke in the air. I have had to move away.

There is no dought that the industry I worked in and perhaps my lifestyle had a lot to do with my health problem but I ask the mayor and council to vote no to this bylaw, I don’t live in the Valley anymore but I cannot stop thinking about the hundreds of children I have coached, my family and friends, co-workers, and how their health will be affected by this bylaw.

John Sherry

Former Cowichan Valley resident