North Vancouver councillor worries firework ban would target the wrong groups

A District of North Vancouver councillor says a complete firework ban would target the wrong people, as council considers a motion to restrict the use of pyrotechnics.

Councillor Jordan Back, who opposed the ban last term, says a prohibition won’t necessarily get rid of fireworks outright.

He tells CityNews that people will find ways to get their hands on fireworks regardless of whether they’re allowed or not.

“The thinking by many is that a ban is going to get rid of fireworks, and it simply won’t. The people that are using them responsibly and going about it in the right way or those who are going and getting a permit and letting them off safely — that’s what we would be banning,” he said.

“We see our community gatherings where people get a permit and do a small firework show on Halloween in the time that they are permitted, and by banning them, we would no longer be permitting residents to do that.”

Back’s comments to CityNews came after a teen was seriously injured when a firework blew up in his hand on Halloween. The councillor notes that a ban was already being considered prior to this incident.

District council is scheduled to review the latest motion in December.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to clarify Back’s comments about the fireworks ban being considered by council.