The City of Brampton has approved a ban on the sale and use of fireworks.
City councillors approved a recommendation for a ban following a surge in complaints, meaning residents will no longer be allowed to purchase, sell, set off, or possess personal fireworks.
“Under the amended by-law, the fine for discharging fireworks would be increased to a minimum of $500, and the fine for selling or offering to sell fireworks would be increased to a minimum of $1000,” reads a previous release from the city.
An exemption to the new rules will be extended to the film industry and city-run events.
Under the previously existing by-law, short-range fireworks were allowed on private property in Brampton without needing a permit on Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali and New Year’s Eve. The city said they would add an annual city-run Diwali event with pyrotechnics in the event the recommendation to ban fireworks was approved.
The city has said officials received 1,491 calls this year concerning the use of fireworks, which is up from 492 in 2018.
Brampton by-law officials also issued over $38,000 in fines relating to fireworks, including excessive noise, fire safety concerns and left-over garbage piles scattered across the city.
Coun. Guratap Singh Toor, who seconded the motion, told the meeting that councillors “heard loud and clear, even through the election campaign, about the issue.”
None of the people who spoke at delegations prior to the vote were in favour of the ban.
With files from The Canadian Press
