Last blast? London, Ont. to consider backyard fireworks ban
The debate over firework displays is returning to city hall with two options for updating the fireworks by-law.
A staff report to council’s Community and Protective Services Committee (CAPS) recommends holding a public participation meeting later this summer to receive feedback on tightening backyard firework rules — or instituting an outright ban.
“This by-law hasn’t been updated since 2016, so we need something more progressive,” explained Deanna Ronson, who is part of a group behind an online petition to phase out fireworks in London.
Ronson said fireworks impact animals, the environment, and people with conditions including autism, PTSD and lung disease.
After examining firework by-laws in similar cities, Civic Administration suggests two options:
Option A
- Backyard displays on three days (Canada Day, Victoria Day and Diwali)
- Sales starting five days before holiday
- Increased fines
- Community firework events on Canada Day, Victoria Day, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and other days by permit
Option B
- Backyard displays banned
- Sale of fireworks prohibited
- Increased fines
- Community firework events on Canada Day, Victoria Day, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and other days by permit
Mike Leff of Bob’s Fireworks believes boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a spike in firework sales — and sometimes irresponsible behaviour.
Based on this past Victoria Day, he said the rule breaking has subsided so a ban isn’t necessary.
“Fireworks were very popular during those times,” Leff told CTV News London. “Unfortunately, people were taking liberties, lighting them in locations and at times that weren’t appropriate.”
Fireworks are seen for sale in this undated file image. (File)
Leff said every customer receives a leaflet explaining the municipal by-law, “It is about enforcement and also education. I think a lot of people want to do them when they’re supposed to do them.”
An online survey conducted by city hall from June 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2022 received more than 2,338 responses.
It found that most respondents were unaware of the rules in the by-law, and that enforcement could be improved.
Would you support a complete ban on fireworks?
- Yes – 41.3%
- No – 50.1%
- Not sure – 8.5%
Would you support a ban on fireworks other than displays on permitted dates at organized public events?
- Yes – 56.6%
- No – 36.6%
- Not sure – 6.8%
“A great deal of our population suffers from the effects of fireworks,” Ronson said. “I think residents are finally starting to see the problem and want change.”
Leff said limiting the use of fireworks to just three holidays balances Ronson’s concerns with the joy that the activity provides to thousands of Londoners.
“I agree with the sentiment, and I think that’s why the lighting of fireworks is already illegal literally 99 per cent of the time,” he said.
Fines for violating the fireworks by-law range up to $5,000, repeat offences up to $10,000.
Penalties under the Provincial Offences Act range from $125 - $250, and a noise complaint fine is $175.
On Tuesday, the CAPS Committee will consider scheduling a public participation meeting for Aug. 15.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Tensions run high on the Hill as MPs debate second Conservative motion of non-confidence
Members of Parliament debated the second Conservative motion of non-confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government of the week on Thursday, amid simmering tensions.
WATCH LIVE Helene strengthens to a Category 4 hurricane as it nears Florida's Gulf Coast
Helene strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane hours ahead of its expected landfall on Florida's northwest coast Thursday night, and forecasters warned that the enormous storm could create a 'nightmare' surge in coastal areas and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S.
Cold case arrest: Nunavut RCMP charge man with murder in 1986 death of teenage girl
Mounties in Nunavut have made an arrest in the murder of a 15-year-old girl almost 40 years ago.
Mounties in B.C. warn 'highly convincing' scammers extorting victims with photos of their homes
Scammers are increasingly using emails to extort money from victims by threatening to reveal compromising photos, videos and personal information to their friends and family members, according to a new warning from Mounties in Metro Vancouver.
Air Canada flight to Toronto diverts due to emergency
An Air Canada flight headed to Toronto from Frankfurt diverted to Edinburgh due to an emergency Thursday, the airline says.
Canadian rapper K'naan charged with sexual assault following arrest in Quebec City
Canadian singer K’naan has been charged with sexual assault after being arrested by police in Quebec City.
NDP MP introduces bill to criminalize residential school denialism
An NDP MP has introduced a bill that would criminalize residential school denialism, saying it would help stop harm caused toward survivors, their families and communities.
Cross-examination of complainant continues in Jacob Hoggard sexual assault trial
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard's defence lawyer continued her cross-examination of the complainant in his sexual assault trial in a northeastern Ontario court today, where he has pleaded not guilty.
Masking reintroduced in N.S. hospitals as respiratory illnesses increase
A partial masking mandate has returned to Nova Scotia hospitals and provincially run healthcare facilities for visitors and healthcare workers.