A picture taken at Bell's Beach on Canada Day. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Public safety

District of Lakeland asked to consider fireworks regulations

Sep 15, 2022 | 4:00 PM

The use of fireworks is officially on the radar for the District of Lakeland council.

The issue was raised during this week’s meeting and it was ultimately decided the district would investigate what other resort-type communities in the province are doing.

In a conversation with paNOW on Thursday, administrator Tracey McShannock confirmed the district has received a lot of complaints related to how fireworks are impacting peoples’ properties and animals.

Included with this week’s public agenda were two letters from concerned residents.

Brian Zimmer cited an incident that happened on Aug. 19 in which he said he and his wife were woken up around 10 p.m. by what he described as highly intoxicated people shooting off fireworks directly in front of his property and aiming them directly at the couples’ boat and the community dock nearby.

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Zimmer explained how after the fireworks stopped, he approached the individuals and reminded them about being so close to his property and the dangers involved with fireworks.

“They swore at me and threatened me and all got agitated. One female threatened to punch me in the face. Nothing deterred them but they eventually walked away in a drunken stupor,” he wrote.

Zimmer went on to mention another serious incident here earlier this season when someone was injured, and added he had heard rumours prior to living in the District about a roof and boat lift canopy that caught on fire by fireworks.

“Prince Albert has already banned fireworks except on certain holidays but here we have to put up with this nonsense on a regular basis even during weekdays. Someone is going to get seriously hurt, or property will be set on fire,” he said.

Kathy Grant also encouraged council to address the use of fireworks and cited an incident this past summer when fireworks were set off at 1030p.m, two doors from her cabin.

“It felt like bombs were being dropped,” she said.

Grant suggested requiring a permit for those groups wanting to set them off for special occasions or banning them altogether.

Anyone with complaints about fireworks is encouraged to call Lakeland District Protective Services at (306) 982-4466 or the RCMP.

nigel.maxwell.pattisonmedia.com

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