Vancouverites defy Halloween fireworks ban on first year of restrictions
Posted November 1, 2021 7:14 am.
Fireworks may be banned across Vancouver and much of the Lower Mainland, but you likely wouldn’t have been able to tell over the Halloween weekend, depending on where you live.
While some people reported little-to-no fireworks in their areas, other neighbourhoods were flooded with bright dazzling lights and loud explosive sounds.
Some of the pyrotechnics were seen rising high into the air, lighting up the sky above homes late into the night. Others took to more open spaces, heading to locations like English Bay to set off some festive displays.
View from Granville Bridge. Halloween Fireworks in Vancouver pic.twitter.com/kUAnUdMmPi
— Lasia Kretzel (@rhymeswpretzel) November 1, 2021
https://twitter.com/Smith442Smith/status/1455029940416442372
Before 2021, fireworks were allowed in the City of Vancouver’s limits — but only on Oct. 31. That changed last yearmed when council decided fireworks would be no more.
Halloween is usually one of the busiest nights of the year for police, fire crews, and paramedics across the region, but it remains unclear as to how 2021 compared to others.
Fire patrols were planned, with people found in contravention of the bylaw at risk of facing a $1,000 fine — double what it used to be if you were caught breaking the rules.
Despite the ban, there were many who expressed over the weekend how much they enjoy fireworks, some saying they would be “disappointed” if people didn’t fire them off on Halloween.
It's Halloween, I live north Vancouver and so proud of all the safe fireworks going off tonight! Keep it going!
— GuyOn2Wheelz (@GuyOn2Wheelz) November 1, 2021
But others were frustrated with the loud, booming sounds, some setting off car alarms late into the evening Sunday.
“It’s Vancouver’s first Halloween since fireworks have been made illegal…and I’ve never heard more fireworks in my life,” one Twitter use wrote. “My dog is thrilled.”
It’s Vancouver’s first Halloween since fireworks have been made illegal…and I’ve never heard more fireworks in my life.
My rescue dog is thrilled.
— Ian Hanlin (@IanStuartHanlin) November 1, 2021
Many expressed concern for their four-legged friends.
“My dog is panting pacing around the house, standing in corners and trying to ‘get away’ from the explosion sounds,” reads another tweet. “I gave him prescription medication and treats (which he ignored). Dressing up is fun but fireworks are banned so just stop.”
My dog is panting pacing around the house, standing in corners and trying to “get away” from the explosion sounds. I gave him prescription medication and treats(which he ignored). Dressing up is fun but fireworks are banned so just stop. #halloween
— Julia (@juliaherself) November 1, 2021
There was also some confusion online, some asking if Halloween fireworks were “a Vancouver thing.”
Fireworks were "banned" this year and yet it's been sounding like the chorus of Paper Planes by M.I.A for the past three hours
— Cazzy Star (@Cazzy) November 1, 2021
And then there were those who took aim at local government policies — many wondering how so many fireworks could still be set off, despite the promise of enforcement of the new ban.
So… I thought fireworks were not allowed on Halloween anymore @CityofVancouver
Its been nonstop fireworks bonanza in Marpole…— Rosa S. (@roooosah) November 1, 2021
Vancouver councillor Melissa De Genova was among those wondering where patrols were.
“#Fireworks still going strong at 11:45pm,” she wrote on social media. “Why approve a bylaw but not extra enforcement?”
The jack-o’-lantern I carved has more teeth than this ban #Fireworks still going strong at 11:45pm why approve a bylaw but not extra enforcement
Listenhere
P.S. I live within a block of a hospice. If it’s not enforced here, then where? #Halloween #VanPoli pic.twitter.com/6A7COxZIje— Melissa De Genova (@MelissaDeGenova) November 1, 2021
While many parts of the region have brought in their own fireworks bans, some cities still allow them as long as you have a permit.
