Kitchener taking ‘education first’ approach when implementing new fireworks bylaw

It might be a quieter than usual long weekend in Kitchener.

The city’s new fireworks bylaw ‘Fireworks Chapter 739 of City of Kitchener Municipal Code’ will be implemented for the first time.

Based on a recommendation made to the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee in late April, the new bylaw states that fireworks are only allowed during Victoria day, not the day before or after.

Fireworks are also not allowed to be set off after 11pm on the holiday.

Gloria MacNeil, director of enforcement with the City of Kitchener, said the city would take an education first approach when it comes to warning residents about the new fireworks rules.

“We understand that some people may not be aware of the change to the bylaw,” MacNeil explained. “Our goal would certainly be to reach out to people, advise them of the changes, let them know what the regulations currently are, and hopefully educate them so it doesn’t happen again.”

Earlier this month, Kitchener City Council approved the recommendation that will also effect fireworks use around Canada Day and Diwali.

MacNeil stated that the maximum fine for breaking the fireworks bylaw would be $5,000 along with a summons to court.

“I think it would be a combination of things,” MacNeil elaborated. “Definitely, if we’ve established a history and there’s a recurrence of the same individuals not complying then we would certainly move in to issuance of charges.”

MacNeil added that fines can also be given to those set up where there are safety concerns and the fireworks user is refusing to stop.

Based on the new bylaw, fireworks cannot be set off on any city street or highway, or in any woodlot, public trail or ballpark.

When it comes to safety, the city is reminding residents to purchase fireworks from a reliable source, to not give fireworks to small children and to never light more than one firework at a time.