Guelph council debating a ban on fireworks for personal use

A ban on fireworks for personal or private use is a possibility for Guelph after a motion was passed earlier this month.  

Council directed city staff to create a new permit-based fireworks bylaw to replace the existing one. A number of councillors wanted to see a total ban whereas others wanted more guidance, better public education and fewer regulations.

While on The Mike Farwell Show on Tuesday, Ward 1 Councillor for Guelph, Dan Gibson, mentioned the conversation started after the city kept receiving calls late at night or early in the morning with issues regarding firework displays. The most common are complaints about scared children or pets and garbage or debris left in parks.

“I don’t think a total ban is appropriate, we have a lot of community groups that love to celebrate their holidays,” said Gibson. “I think some guidance and best practices should be used, some public education and if we can’t get consensus around that then I think my fallback position would be to do some light regulation and perhaps some permitting for the larger displays.”

The motion passed seven to five, meaning city staff are going to come back to council later this month on Oct. 29 with recommendations. Councillors will debate and decide on a new permit-based fireworks bylaw for the city then.

“There’s a proof of insurance, there’s an animal management plan, there’s a number of items within that permit that I believe are just a little too much bureaucracy and a little too much red tape. I think a lot of them can be handled through best management practices,” said Gibson.

The councillor added he plans to move a motion that would “carve out children’s sparklers” that are currently part of Guelph’s firework bylaw, saying it goes too far.

Back in June, Guelph said it was reviewing their firework bylaw and asked people to fill out a survey.

It comes as the City of Kitchener is currently also looking into their fireworks bylaw for personal or private use and whether a total ban is needed following several dangerous incidents.