Residents of southern Vancouver Island will face a new tax this spring just in time for barbecue season.

A statement released by the Capital Regional District (CRD) claims that a new fee structure, aimed at discouraging the use of outdoor barbecues and food cooked over open fires, will establish the region as a forward-thinking environmental steward.

"In an era of conscious efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the 'Cut the Sizzle Levy' hopes to encourage CRD residents to think twice before firing up their barbecue burners," the statement says.

Already nicknamed the "BBQ Tax," some residents feel the government is going too far and has no business interfering with how people choose to cook their food, particularly when barbecues and grills are an integral part of Vancouver Island life.

Aaron Flaremann, president of the British Columbia Outdoor Cooking Society, says he's shocked and saddened by the CRD's bizarre move.

"In all of my years in this industry, I have never, ever heard of something as absurd as a barbecue tax. I mean this is somewhat depressing, to live in an era where you can't enjoy your patio or backyard without paying a tax," Flaremann said, adding that most condo stratas have banned outdoor cooking and a region-wide levy would unfairly charge those who can't even make use of a barbecue or a grill.

Fees will be payable by homeowners through quarterly municipal bills that already include services such as water, sewage and other fees. Annually the costs will amount to approximately $65 per barbecue burner, however, homeowners who wish to pay for individual cooking sessions will be charged $30 per year regardless of the amount of burners on their barbecue, plus a $5 levy payable for each cooking session. Large open flame grills, such as those made popular by the Weber brand, will be charge $75 per annum regardless of circumference.

The CRD is currently the only jurisdiction in Canada, and perhaps all of North America, to introduce such a fee. City of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps could not be reached for comment, however, the City of Victoria has released a statement confirming that it does not plan to contest the fees and supports efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Officials plan to enforce the Cut the Sizzle Levy through cooperation with BC Hydro and Fortis BC. When electricity and gas meters are read, employees will confirm the number of burners on barbecues and report the statistics to the CRD. Homeowners are encouraged to make their barbecues easily visible to ensure they are not overcharged.

The levy is effective as of April 1st, 2016. C

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