St. John’s city council will make a decision today about its proposed fireworks by-law.
The legislation would prohibit the use of personal fireworks outside of a 5-hour timeframe on New Year’s Eve and Canada Day. There are exceptions, however. Council can add more dates as they see fit, and people and groups can apply for special events approval from the city.
At Committee of the Whole two weeks ago, most of city council voted in favour of the new rules, with two against — those being Ian Froude and Maggie Burton.
One of the most contentious points about the new legislation relates to insurance requirements for fireworks under special events regulations. At the time, Froude said that would be quite expensive, and a big barrier for many groups.
The city’s Special Events Policy Manual states that events with fireworks displays must have a minimum of $5-million in insurance coverage.
If the by-law is approved, it will come into effect on New Year’s Eve.
May 20, 2021 – St. John’s Council Members Raising Concerns with Proposed New By-Law on Fireworks
