Two fireworks by-law changes have been delayed following Stratford city council’s abrupt end Monday night.
The changes were recommended to council at their last meeting by Fire Chief Neil Anderson.
Anderson said the first one is about sparklers. “Sparklers right now are considered a family firework which is very limiting and means it can only be put off twice a year, Canada Day and Victoria Day are the only times we can have sparklers. Notwithstanding, sparklers are available throughout the year you can get them through party stores and restaurants have them for birthday celebrations,” he said.
According to him, that makes it very hard for the fire department to limit and regulate the use of sparklers. As a result, Anderson recommended removing sparklers from family fireworks.
The second change is the addition of Diwali, which is the Hindu festival of lights, to the official days in which family fireworks can be let off. Anderson said that would mean fireworks will be allowed on Canada Day, Victoria today and the first day of Diwali.
“Diwali is a 5-day celebration, to keep it limited we recommend it on the first day only. If there is a rain delay just like Canada Day and Victoria Day, it would just be delayed one day but that way there would be at least one celebration for the Festival of Lights,” he said.
According to a report sent to council, the fire department received an increase in inquiries from families that have requested to set off Family Fireworks as part of Diwali. “Based upon the existing by-law, such requests have been denied.” the report reads.
The Diwali Festival is celebrated in October or November, with the dates varying annually.
Green-lighting the two changes was on the agenda for Monday night’s regular council meeting, but was never reached. Council is scheduled to meet again on Monday July 4.
