Vancouver tightens up fireworks restrictions
Posted February 26, 2013 1:53 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – YFor some Vancouver families, it’s an annual tradition: launching fireworks from their homes on Halloween.
But that’s coming to an end after a vote by city council.
As a result, the city of Vancouver will no longer allow fireworks to be set off from your home.
Instead, you’re restricted to some public spaces like parks or community centres.
City Councillor Raymond Louie says the city needs to control where fireworks are going off.
“It will help in fact reduce the amount of nuisance and noise complaints that we have across our city. Certainly better for some of the pets that we have, pet owners. And (it will) reduce the incidences of fires as well.”
Vancouver Fire Chief John McKearney says it’s a matter of public safety.
“My view is it makes it a little bit more family friendly, more fun city, in this regard comparative to the complaints and the injury and the fires.”
Meantime, council has increased the number of nights fireworks can be set off.
Louie says that’s a positive move. “Rather than just having one day for consumer fireworks displays, now we have five.”
In addition to Halloween, fireworks will now be allowed on New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, Diwali and Vaisakhi.
