Brampton City Council has recommended banning every private use of fireworks after the city witnessed a record number of complaints during October’s Diwali celebrations.
New Councillor, Denis Keenan, presented a motion to ban every purchase and discharge of fireworks by private citizens yesterday. Prior to the recommendation, Brampton residents could purchase fireworks in the city and launch them till 11 p.m. on Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali and New Year’s Eve.
Meanwhile, these celebrations yielded 1,500 complaints about fireworks dominating the city. About 1,000 of these complaints came During Diwali in October.
These complaints generated $38,500 fireworks fines this year. Also, Brampton Fire has responded to no fewer than 20 fire outbreaks connected to fireworks, which has cost the city $20,000.
Under the new by-law, which will be ratified on November 28, fines will be boosted to at least $500 for discharging fireworks and $1,000 for selling them.
Meanwhile, the ban will not apply to city-run events and fireworks used during filming. One of these city-run events will be a new Diwali celebration with fireworks, identical to Brampton’s Canada Day and New Year’s events.
The Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, said: “The safety of our residents is of utmost importance to the City of Brampton. We have heard the concerns of our community regarding the Fireworks By-law, and it is our goal that by amending it, we will all enjoy our holidays safely and without disruption, excessive noise or debris.
“I thank everyone for making their voices heard on this topic, and look forward to welcoming residents to our first annual Diwali celebration event next year!”
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