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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.