City staff is proposing a new fireworks bylaw that would prohibit fireworks for personal use in Guelph and also prohibit the sale of home fireworks.
Recommended new rules for community and large group fireworks events would include a $100 permit, insurance and a "licenced display supervisor."
City staff is asking council to scrap the existing fireworks rules, which essentially just limit when and where they can be used, in place of a permitting system that brings a new set of regulations.
“Fireworks light up the night sky and can provide enjoyment and a sense of community for those participating in or watching these displays. However, the noise and light they generate can have a negative impact on people, animals and nature,” states a staff report heading to council’s committee of the whole on Oct. 1.
“Based on feedback received, staff (is) recommending the bylaw be updated to a permit system to reflect the concerns of residents. A permit-based bylaw also reflects the practices taken by other municipalities.”
Staff’s review of the fireworks bylaw came at the request of city council, the report notes.
In turn, city staff set out to hear what Guelphites had to say on the issue. There were two community engagement meetings held, one virtually and one in person, as well as an online survey that saw 1,327 participants.
“The engagement results show 65 per cent of respondents noted that they were unsupportive or very unsupportive of unregulated public and private fireworks. Similarly, 55 per cent of respondents indicated they were supportive to very supportive of a firework ban,” the report explains. “The permit-only option received noticeably more support 34 per cent were supportive to very supportive) compared to the current practice of unregulated private fireworks displays (25 per cent were supportive to very supportive).”
A feedback booth was also set up during the Guelph Multicultural Festival, and staff spoke with representatives of Guelph Sikh Society, Guelph Humane Society, Guelph Chinese Canadian Cultural Group, Guelph Youth Council and local police.
The proposed bylaw would allow fireworks displays for community and special events only, with several requirements to be met before permits are issued. They include:
- Minimum distances from residences and all vulnerable occupancies (schools, nursing, and care facilities)
- Displays must be discharged by a licensed display supervisor
- Sufficient liability insurance needs to be in place
- Safety inspections for safety
- Fireworks should be planned for acceptable times and locations
- Animal safety management.
A $100 fee for fireworks permits is recommended.
“A new fireworks permit fee will be added to the rates, fees, and charges guide through the 2025 budget confirmation process. Any revenue associated with the fireworks permit will be used to offset enforcement staff costs.”
Under the existing bylaw, fireworks are allowed to be set off on private property – permits are required for the use of public property such as parks –on or the day before Victoria Day and Canada Day, as well as for Diwali and other religious events as approved by the Guelph Fire Department or permitted by the fire chief.
Additionally, the sale of fireworks is limited to seven days prior to Victoria Day and Canada Day.
