A Superior Court of Justice judge in Sault Ste. Marie issued an absolute injunction in May 2023 that bars a local resident from burning firewood or any other substance on or around his property, after a spate of smoke complaints from neighbors.
The injunction was prompted by the man's backyard barbecue, which his lawyer tried to re‑scope in June 2023 to allow normal use of a natural gas grill. The court rejected the request, noting the grill had been used to produce smoke without cooking.
Between July and September 2023, the judge documented four separate breaches: leaving the barbecue unattended for 90 minutes, lighting a propane fire without cooking, and operating a smoke‑producing machinery on the patio. In May 2024, the man revved a vehicle engine for two hours, emitting large amounts of smoke.
The judge concluded that the man's conduct amounted to a deliberate nuisance, describing the grill as a "weapon of nuisance". Despite finding grounds for contempt, he declined a contempt finding, warning the defendant that further violations would trigger legal action.
The injunction remains in force, and the court will monitor compliance. The man is expected to adhere to the order or risk a contempt hearing, with the next court date set for July 2024.