Collingwood Council has repealed the month old bylaw that put a stop to open-air burning within town limits. On Monday May 12th, Council voted to repeal the bylaw after receiving numerous letters and telephone calls from residents who opposed the open fire ban. Outgoing Collingwood Fire Chief Sandy Cunningham had been in discussions with many residents causing him to recommend to council that the month old fire ban bylaw be taken back.

Council received many letters of objection to the fire ban bylaw, including a letter from thirteen year old Brittany Quinton. "Ever since I was born my family and I have been coming to the cottage. One of my favourite things about coming up to our cottage is on nice summer nights we have a fire" Brittany said. Rhonda Ritchie of Collingwood wrote to council asking for assistance and guidance in the removal of debris that has washed onto the beach along the mouth of the Pretty River. "Each year in the spring and throughout the summer, home and cottage owners along the beach front of Glen Rogers Road, have been able to keep the shoreline and beach clear of the debris (logs, tree limbs and bramble).  Now with this fire ban in effect we have limited means to disburse of this debris. Douglas Cook of Collingwood wrote to council expressing his disappointment of the new burning bylaw. "Collingwood is a unique community and allowed burning is unique. It's a shame to lose such uniqueness" Cook stated. Paula Shannon of Collingwood wrote to Council to express her disatisfaction with the fire ban bylaw. "Many people enjoy having a 'joy fire' in the summer. It is a shame the Town is banning the simple pleasures in life, like toasting marshmallows on an open fire, with your children or grandchildren" Shannon stated.

The elimination of the month old burning bylaw doesn't mean that anyone can light a fire within Town of Collingwood limits. Residents must apply for a fire burning permit .