Pandemic ban snuffs out home fireworks displays and sparklers

Sorry, long weekend partiers: even sparklers are off-limits under a controversial new pandemic ban on home fireworks that could cost scofflaws a $500 fine.

City council has approved a ban on the sale or use of home fireworks ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend that will continue through Canada Day until July 4. The ban follows the COVID-19 cancellation of city-sponsored fireworks displays like those normally at Dundas Driving Park.

Fire Chief David Cunliffe recommended the ban to help prevent accidental fires, large gatherings" of neighbours and non-emergency" complaints to enforcement officers who have better things to do during the pandemic.

The ban sparked contentious debate among councillors, however - especially when it came to hand-held sparklers popular among families and kids.

I want to make sure it's clear," said Mountain Coun. Esther Pauls. If some little kid in their backyard ... has sparklers and the neighbours calls, we have to get the bylaw there and get them a ticket?"

Technically, the federal government classifies sparklers as a consumer firework," so they are included in the temporary ban.

Cunliffe said he was particularly concerned, however, about explosive" backyard fireworks that he said sometimes send burning debris onto neighbouring homes or cars, spawning inevitable complaints. Some amateur displays are set off from parks or on streets, and that could draw an illegal COVID-19 crowd and poor physical distancing.

A narrow majority of councillors were supportive of the fireworks display prohibition, which passed 8-6. A few suggested a permanent ban should be discussed in future.

Coun. Sam Merulla noted he routinely fields resident complaints about noise and irresponsible" use of fireworks and has even received a petition pleading for a permanent ban.

Our poor fur babies ... it has a terrible effect on some of our pets," added Flamborough Coun. Judi Partridge, who noted the late-night noise particularly tortures pet owners and new parents.

Glanbrook Coun. Brenda Johnson, on the other hand, opposed the ban and suggested some residents will ignore it, causing more of the complaints and enforcement the fire department wants to avoid.

I can watch all the fireworks in my neighbourhood just sitting on my front lawn ... neighbours don't need to gather," she said. People are desperate for celebration and they're going to do it."

Matthew Van Dongen is a Hamilton-based reporter covering transportation for The Spectator. Reach him via email: mvandongen@thespec.com