Londoners will have a chance Tuesday to say yea or nay to potential changes to the city's fireworks by-law - one of which would see backyard fireworks banned entirely.
The community and protective services committee will hold a public participating meeting at city hall at 4 p.m. It will allow residents and business owners a chance to provide feedback on two different by-law options. The first option would allow Londoners to set off fireworks between dusk and 11 p.m. on Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Diwali. It would cut the number of days prior to events that retailers can sell fireworks from seven to five and increase fines for people who violate the by-law.
The second option would completely ban the sale and the discharging of all backyard fireworks in London. It would also increase current municipal fines.
Both options allow for professional community fireworks displays by permit. Traditionally, these types of displays are held on Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali, and New Year's Eve, but could include other days, according to city staff.
The options to either tighten existing rules or enact an outright ban were crafted based on community feedback and a review of local municipal fireworks by-laws and policies. Staff originally presented the potential by-law amendments to the committee in June.
Under the current by-law, Londoners can only discharge personal fireworks between dusk and 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day. When the country's birthday falls on a Monday or Tuesday fireworks can be discharged on the preceding Saturday. When Canada Day is on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday fireworks can be set on the following Saturday.
Both Woodstock and Brampton recently amended their by-laws to ban the sale and use of backyard fireworks.
Proponents of the ban argue that the colourful explosions are noisy, disruptive, harm animals, and damage the environment.
Roughly 30 people have requested delegation status to speak at Tuesday's meeting.
City council will make its final decision on the by-law changes in November. The amended by-law would come into effect January 1.
