Hastings Highlands Council is moving forward with steps to limit the use of fireworks in the municipality. A draft fireworks bylaw was presented during today’s council meeting.
It would limit residents to using fireworks between 8:00pm and 11:00pm on twelve days of the year; the days of, before, and after New Year’s Eve, Victoria Day, Canada Day, and American Independence Day. Bylaw Enforcement Officer Dawn Bowers says this is important for those who live and work in Hastings Highlands.
However, some councillors have asked that the bylaw be expanded so that fireworks can be used on the Civic Holiday and Labour Day, along with the days before and after.
The draft bylaw also sets out that you wouldn’t be allowed to use fireworks within 30 metres of any shoreline, vegetation line, or building. Bowers says she researched the distance, and felt it was enough to protect the environment from pollution.
The draft bylaw also states that anyone under 18 would not be allowed to use fireworks, that firecrackers would be completely banned, and that fireworks should not be used if a fire ban is in effect. Fines for disobeying measures included in the bylaw could range from $250 to $610. Click here to read the current draft bylaw.
However, council has also asked that the bylaw be updated to ban exploding targets, and specify how far spectators should be from fireworks for their own safety. CAO Pat Pilgrim says it’s also important that North Hastings Fire Chief Pat Hoover be able to review it before it’s approved. The issue will be back in front of council before the end of April. Bowers says the goal is to have the bylaw in place before warmer weather hits.
Deputy Mayor Gregg Roberts put forward the motion calling on staff to create a fireworks bylaw in October. Roberts says the goal is to limit how often and how late they are being used, and the potential pollution they cause.