Motion to explore Kitchener fireworks ban comes after several dangerous incidents

Fireworks safety has become an increasing issue in the region, now Kitchener council is hoping to tackle the problem with a new motion presented this week.

Holiday celebrations for events like Victoria Day saw fireworks shot out of moving vehicles and into large crowds during a public event. Police and bylaw officers were shot at as well during that incident.

On Canada Day, in Waterloo, Councillor Julie Wright was struck in the face with a firework after trying to confront someone illegally shooting off a display in Waterloo Park.

Speaking as a guest on the Mike Farwell Show, Kitchener Ward 5 Councillor Ayo Owodunni shared his motivation for bringing forward the motion.

“My goal at the end of the day is how do we ensure people can have fun but we’re responsible as a community, no one is getting hurt and I’m not receiving so many emails a day after these celebrations as well,” said Owodunni.

After the last incident, Owodunni said he received about 40 emails from concerned people, who told him the displays are keeping their children or pets awake at night.

“If we’re not going to ban, what are some stringent rules that can be put in place? How do we better manage our holidays? That’s all I’m after; I’m not necessarily pushing for a ban, we just want to learn from those that have done it.”

The motion mainly wants city staff to look into whether firework bans are working for other cities like in London, as well as getting staff to come up with an agreement the whole municipality can follow so someone isn’t purchasing fireworks in one city to use in another.

Owodunni added that city staff are getting more reports of people shooting fireworks out of cars.

Last year, the City of Kitchener received 186 fireworks complaints, this year, it has 173.

Ward 9 Councillor Debbie Chapman recommended an amendment to the motion for staff to look into other alternatives to use instead of fireworks, while getting them to do research on whether the city should be hosting centralized events.

The motion will come back to Kitchener council April 2025 after city staff put together a report.