Backyard fireworks could become a thing of the past in London.
City politicians on the community and protective services committee will mull over the idea next week of completely banning the sale and use of backyard fireworks in the city.
In a new report, staff recommend either a tightening of existing rules or an outright ban.
“Civic administration has drafted two proposed options for council to consider and the public to comment on at a future public participation meeting,” staff wrote. “These options are based on community feedback and a review of local municipal fireworks by-laws and policies.”
The first option would allow Londoners to set off fireworks between dusk and 11 p.m. on Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Diwali. It would cut the number of days prior to events that retailers can sell fireworks from seven to five and increase fines for people who violate the bylaw.
The second option would completely ban the sale and the discharging of all backyard fireworks in London. It would also increase current municipal fines.
Both options allow for professional community fireworks displays by permit. Traditionally, these types of displays are held on Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali, and New Years Eve, but could include other days, according to city staff.
Since the current Fireworks bylaw came into force in June 2016, Londoners have been limited to discharging fireworks between dusk and 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day. When the country’s birthday falls on a Monday or Tuesday fireworks can be discharged on the preceding Saturday. When Canada Day is on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday fireworks can be set on the following Saturday.
Fireworks have become a point of contention with some city residents who argue the colourful explosions are noisy, disruptive, harm animals, and damage the environment. Their concerns prompted the city to conduct an online survey over the issue between June 1 and September 20 last year.
Of the 2,338 responses collected, 56.6 per cent supported a ban on backyard displays and 41.3 per cent wanted fireworks outright prohibited in the city.
City staff recommend the committee hold a public participation meeting on August 15 to allow community members a chance to provide input and weigh in on the two proposed options.
Brampton recently amended its fireworks bylaw to ban the sale and use of backyard fireworks.
