City of London launches review of fireworks bylaw

The City of London isreviewing itsfireworks bylaw in the wake ofa petition calling for a ban on all pyrotechnics.

The city launched apublic input survey on the Canada Day long weekend that led tostaff fielding dozens of complaint calls relating to fireworks.

"We had 60 calls and we were able to respond to just over 40 of those,"saidMatt Hepditch,deputy fire chief in charge of fire prevention and public education with the London Fire Department.

Bylaw officers did not issue any tickets.

The number of complaints has been rising,promptingthe city to reviewits 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'swith Londoners for Quiet Fireworks, the group behind apetition calling for a full ban on fireworks thathas 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 anddrone light shows are suitablealternatives, said Ronson.

Bylaws vary by municipality

Londoners will have most of the summer to share their thoughts on fireworksthrough thecity's survey,and eventually through feedback sessions. A final report is expected at council thisfall.

Many municipalities facesimilar concerns, said Hepditch, mainly about fireworks and the impact on the environment and concerns for pets, which can get frightened byloud noises.

The City of Brampton changed its bylaw in 2016so that only short-range fireworkscan be discharged on residential properties.

"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 spokespersonMegan Ball. "Short-range fireworks are those that tend to travel less than three metreswhen 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 expandingthe number of dates when fireworks are permitted, said Hepditch.