Two days to celebrate: Hamilton tightens up fireworks bylaw

Hamilton is tightening up its fireworks bylaw after a spike in complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new rules for family fireworks" reduces the number of days celebrants can set them off to two: Canada Day and Victoria Day from dusk to 11 p.m.

Until now, residents were able to set off Roman candles in backyards two days before and after the statutory holidays, making for 10 days a year.

Coun. Tom Jackson said Wednesday that he didn't want to throw cold water on the fun but noted many complaints" about extended displays.

It almost became a three-, four-day event," the east Mountain councillor said.

The city's bylaw division fielded 10 noise complaints about fireworks in 2019, but gripes spiked to 24 in 2020 and 26 last year. A ban was in place for part of 2020 during the pandemic.

Last year, the fire department received five complaints that pointed to improper use," specifically in parks and public spaces. Four were over debris in neighbouring properties.

Overall, the concerns ranged from when fireworks were being set off, how close they were to neighbours, use of city-owned property, and sparking anxiety in people and animals.

As part of the changes, council also backed a shorter period of seven days that licensed retailers can sell fireworks leading up to the two holidays instead of 14.

Coun. John-Paul Danko said he supported the changes but wondered if they would influence availability, noting the best place" in the area to get fireworks is Six Nations."

Those who hire certified professionals to launch pyrotechnics for events such as weddings can still do so all year with fire department permits.

But if there are safety concerns, such as fireworks hitting buildings, the fire department will respond, Chief Dave Cunliffe said.

Municipal law enforcement will answer the call if the problem relates to noise, he added.

Despite the spike in complaints, no tickets were issued under the fireworks bylaw last year. There was one in 2020 and none in 2019.

A staff report acknowledged limitations in the availability of staff to proactively enforce both the sales or display of fireworks."

But staff will work to evaluate the internal service levels" of the bylaw and fire departments to identify inefficiencies and limitations" of enforcement.

CORRECTION: This story was updated April 28, 2022 to correct the period during which family fireworks" can be set off on the two permitted days, Canada Day and Victoria Day. They can be set off from dusk to 11 p.m.

Teviah Moro is a reporter at The Spectator. tmoro@thespec.com