City of London launches review of fireworks bylaw
Southwestern Ontario city received 60 fireworks-related complaints over Canada Day weekend
The City of London is reviewing its fireworks bylaw in the wake of a petition calling for a ban on all pyrotechnics.
The city launched a public input survey on the Canada Day long weekend that led to staff fielding dozens of complaint calls relating to fireworks.
"We had 60 calls and we were able to respond to just over 40 of those," said Matt Hepditch, deputy fire chief in charge of fire prevention and public education with the London Fire Department.
Bylaw officers did not issue any tickets.
Plan on hosting backyard fireworks this weekend? You are only allowed to set off fireworks on July 1 & July 2 between dusk & 11 p.m.<br><br>To report backyard firework displays outside of this time, please call 519-661-5615 with an exact address. <a href="https://t.co/4Ah2x5PriE">https://t.co/4Ah2x5PriE</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LdnOnt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LdnOnt</a> <a href="https://t.co/pzOVXikbxD">pic.twitter.com/pzOVXikbxD</a>
—@CityofLdnOntThe number of complaints has been rising, prompting the city to review its fireworks bylaw, which currently allows people to discharge consumer fireworks on Canada Day and Victoria Day between dusk and 11 p.m.
"We know there are mixed feelings about fireworks and we've heard concerns about fireworks," said Hepditch.
"They've been escalating in recent years."
"Many localities around the world have already banned fireworks and many more are calling for bans," said Deanna Ronson, who's with Londoners for Quiet Fireworks, the group behind a petition calling for a full ban on fireworks that has garnered more than 2,900 signatures.
"Alternatives are available and we should be using them to combat the negative impact that fireworks have on the environment, wildlife, domestic pets and people."
Laser and drone light shows are suitable alternatives, said Ronson.
Bylaws vary by municipality
Londoners will have most of the summer to share their thoughts on fireworks through the city's survey, and eventually through feedback sessions. A final report is expected at council this fall.
Many municipalities face similar concerns, said Hepditch, mainly about fireworks and the impact on the environment and concerns for pets, which can get frightened by loud noises.
The City of Brampton changed its bylaw in 2016 so that only short-range fireworks can be discharged on residential properties.
Happy Canada Day weekend, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brampton?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brampton</a>!<br><br>Please remember that short-range fireworks on private property are only permitted tomorrow, July 1. <br><br>Have fun celebrating, respect your neighbours and stay safe! <a href="https://t.co/BV5GEcTXA0">https://t.co/BV5GEcTXA0</a> <a href="https://t.co/TAPXJy51QS">pic.twitter.com/TAPXJy51QS</a>
—@CityBrampton"Safety was the top priority, with the bylaw banning other types of fireworks that pose a great risk of injury or damage to property," said Brampton spokesperson Megan Ball. "Short-range fireworks are those that tend to travel less than three metres when set off."
The city also introduced mandatory training for vendors who plan to sell fireworks, said Ball.
However, Brampton allows residents to buy fireworks around Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali and New Year's Eve.
Londoners may also be interested in expanding the number of dates when fireworks are permitted, said Hepditch.