(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Council Preview

Fireworks ban up for approval as P.A. council meets

Dec 11, 2021 | 9:00 AM

Fireworks, hydrants, and bus passes are just some of the things Prince Albert’s council will be discussing when they meet next week.

Last month, Fire Chief Kris Olsen presented a proposed updated fire services bylaw which included banning low-hazard fireworks within city limits and putting in a $500 fine for those caught doing so.

This change is officially up for approval at the Dec. 13 meeting.

If it’s given the green light and still not followed by residents, Mayor Greg Dionne noted they would have to consider outright banning them even for use on statutory holidays.

This has caught the eye of the Canadian National Fireworks Association (CNFA) who wants to work with the city on better-educating residents on the do’s and don’ts around fireworks.

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In a letter to Dionne, which was made public by the City, CNFA Executive Director Perry Logan said they conducted a survey in Toronto that showed 70 per cent of users didn’t know there was a bylaw in place.

“The CNFA is offering our experience to help your staff find solutions to a problem that we feel will self-correct through better education and the easing of pandemic restrictions.”

There were concerns brought up last month about P.A.’s bylaw, however, they weren’t about fireworks but rather fire hydrants.

Councillor Dawn Kilmer wanted clarification around who was responsible for testing and maintaining non-municipally owned hydrants.

The answer is private owners as they’ll be required, under the updated bylaw, to provide the P.A. Fire Department proof hydrant caps are in place, worn or rusted threads are repaired or replaced, and flushing has been conducted once a year.

Council will also discuss extending the partnership the city has with the Ministry of Social Services for the Discounted Bus Pass Program.

Since 2006, the two have worked together on providing passes to those who access different social services in the community.

Right now, the discount is expected to lower the cost for these individuals to $25.

Also scheduled for next week’s meeting are discussions around the ownership of 48th Street.

The City and Rural Municipality of P.A. have been negotiating the terms of annexing the area, however, nothing has been approved at this time.

Back in September, council voted against the request coming from the RM with multiple councillors including Dennis Ogrodnick and Don Cody sharing concerns.

However, the city has drafted a potential agreement with council set to debate whether to send it to the RM for their consideration.

The meeting will get underway at 5 p.m.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow