(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Fireworks Ban?

Fireworks close to being banned in Prince Albert

Nov 16, 2021 | 9:00 AM

The city of Prince Albert is one step closer to banning fireworks on private properties.

City council met for an executive committee meeting Monday where Fire Chief Kris Olsen presented an updated fire services bylaw that covers everything from smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to fire hydrants.

The current bylaw was established back in 2008.

Arguably, the biggest change would be banning low-hazard fireworks within city limits and putting in a $500 fine for those caught doing so.

This comes after concerns from residents over people setting them off throughout the night. Police have reportedly received several calls from people believing the fireworks are gunshots.

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Mayor Greg Dionne said they’ve simply become a nuisance.

“I find it funny that a guy will come by my house with a loud muffler and get pulled over for excessive noise but yet my neighbour can fire fireworks and get away with it.”

He added there are also safety concerns.

“You can blow your hand off even though they say low-hazard, you can still damage and hurt yourself.”

Currently, the updated bylaw says individuals can still sell low-hazard fireworks to those who are 18 years and older.

Those caught selling to minors would be fined $500.

Dionne also wants the city’s administration to consider adding measures to limit who can sell fireworks.

If the ban doesn’t stop fireworks from being used on private properties, Dionne noted they would have to consider outright banning them, including for use on statutory holidays.

The fire services bylaw still needs to be approved by council before the ban becomes official.

It’s currently being reviewed again after concerns were brought up by Councillor Dawn Kilmer over the vagueness on who inspects private fire hydrants.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow