Tighter restrictions coming on use and sale of illegal fireworks in Calgary

Calgary city council voted unanimously Monday to enhance enforcement of the use and sale of illegal fireworks.

During Diwali celebrations this year, bylaw and police were inundated with complaints.

Officials say this year’s events prompted 167 complaints about fireworks, mostly in northeast communities.

Coun. Raj Dhaliwal, who sponsored the motion, says the changes won’t be applicable to organizations that are properly permitted.

“A centralized alternative to neighbourhood fireworks and not organized fireworks under permitting process from the city — they can still go ahead,” he explained. “This is more neighbourhood firworks that people are not taking permits, they are just getting together in a park or a playground — that happens in Ward 5. In areas like Redstone, Skyview, Saddleridge, we have seen a lot of this.”

The councillor cited a Cornerstone pickup truck fire, which caused more than $30,000 in damages, and the burning of two Edmonton houses due to fireworks as reasons to move ahead with policy changes.

“We don’t want any of that happening in Calgary; that’s why I’ve promised residents we will do a review, we will bring back enforcement, education, fine increases, and all that,” Dhaliwal added.

Under current rules, individuals found to be setting off fireworks in city limits can face several fines, including $500 for possession of fireworks or pyrotechnics without a permit, $250 for use of fireworks without a permit, and $250 for the sale of fireworks without a permit.

Those found to be in breach of the Alberta edition of the National Fire Code can face even steeper fines.

These penalties also apply to businesses that are illegally selling fireworks.

Council will get recommendations next year from administration on how to proceed with enforcement.