The City of St. John’s is pushing ahead with a new bylaw regulating the use of personal fireworks, but the decision isn’t without pushback from some on council.
The new bylaw would restrict the use of such fireworks to a 5-hour span on New Year’s Eve and Canada Day, with the ability of council to add other dates or grant special permission as they see fit.
Councillor Shawn Skinner voted in favour of the motion but did raise concerns regarding insurance requirements.
If a group wants to set off fireworks outside of days designated by council, they must apply for special event approval. The city’s Special Events Policy Manual states that events with fireworks displays must have a minimum of $5-million in insurance coverage.
There was some confusion as to how much smaller events would have to pay, with city staff explaining that figure is more so for large-scale displays, like ones the city puts off.
Skinner has concerns about the potential insurance costs. He thinks the insurance is a “significant” requirement, and he will be looking into what exactly the cost is.
Councillor Ian Froude voted against the new bylaw, citing certain religious holidays being left out of the allowed dates and the ability of the city to enforce it as his reasoning.
As well, he too has an issue with the insurance component, as he understands it, the insurance will be quite expensive, which is “effectively a no” to him.
The bylaw, which has not yet been passed, will be back before city council to vote on at an upcoming regular meeting.
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St. John’s city council is moving ahead with new regulations outlining where and when personal fireworks can be used.
The new rules stem from complaints received about people setting off fireworks at random times of the day, without warning.
The legislation would restrict the use of personal fireworks to New Year’s Even and Canada Day, from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Other dates may be given the green light by council. As well, people and groups can apply for special event approval if they wish to hold fireworks outside those designated days.
The proposed laws also set out safety parameters for how fireworks can be discharged, though it does not change responsibilities laid out under provincial and federal legislation. As well, it does not change the regulatory role St. John’s Regional Fire Department plays in the sale of fireworks.
The motion was carried at today’s committee of the whole meeting six votes to two—however, the new by-law would still have to be voted on at a regular council meeting to get final approval. If that happens, the new rules will come into effect on December 31.
