(file photo/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Fireworks ban

Fireworks now banned in Prince Albert

Mar 8, 2022 | 12:00 PM

Fireworks have officially been banned in the City of Prince Albert after an updated bylaw was passed by council last night.

The vote was 7-2 in favour of banning fireworks on public and private property except for New Year’s Eve and Canada Day.

Mayor Greg Dionne explained the change was needed after a lot of problems with late night fireworks last summer.

“I really thought once that I heard three gunshots at my house and it ended up being the neighbour three doors down, shooting off fireworks. And that’s the problem,” Dionne said.

In addition to creating issues for people sleeping, there have been injuries reported with private use of fireworks.

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“We’ve had people injured, blown up in their hands, they’ve lost fingers, burned themselves,” Dionne said.

Another issue results when police officers stop other duties to respond to calls of possible shootings.

When the public reports the sounds to officers and the call refers a potential shooting situation, resources are pulled from all areas of the city.

Both bylaw officers and the Prince Albert Police Service will be updated on the changes and will have the ability to enforce the new rules.

Enforcement can include fines of $500 and a bill for any resulting damage can also be levied.

“If you fire off any fireworks and it goes in the neighbour’s yard and causes any damage, you’re 100 per cent liable and you won’t get insurance for that kind of coverage,” Dionne said.

The bylaw is very specific about the two exceptions. On Canada Day, people can light low hazard fireworks between dusk and 11:00 p.m. and on New Year’s Eve starting at dusk and ending at 12:15 a.m. on January 1.

The law applies to both residents of properties and the legal property owner.

“It’s illegal to fire fireworks off within the corporate boundaries. Even in your own private property, you cannot do it,” Dionne said.

Stores selling low hazard fireworks are required to post signs regarding the allowed usage.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow