by James Matthews

Fireworks will soon be restricted in Algonquin Highlands to only Canada Day.

Council launched a survey in July to gauge the public’s feelings about the use of fireworks. It generated 520 responses from the public. The survey was extended until October and drew another 170 responses.

“An excellent response to that survey,” said Melissa Murray, the township’s environmental manager. “That’s a lot of responses considering the size of our municipality.”

She said many comments were garnered about the issue of fireworks.

“Some of which (comments) you don’t know whether to laugh or cry,” said Mayor Liz Danielsen. “There was a lot of comments.”

Deputy Mayor Jennifer Dailloux said the survey wasn’t a salvo in an effort toward a referendum on the fireworks’ use in the township. However, she said she’d like to support the will of the people as indicated by the majority of survey respondents.

And that was a complete ban on fireworks.

About 61 per cent of respondent were in favour of prohibiting their use.

“And I’ll voice that majority at the (council) table,” Dailloux said.

“I’d like to see it (fireworks) just for Canada Day,” said Councillor Julia Shortreed. “It’s a pretty popular day.”

“I’m satisfied with a complete ban other than commercial or local associations, organizations applying for a permit to hold a special event,” said Coun. Sabrina Richards.

Both Coun. Lisa Barry and Danielsen agreed with Richards’ suggestion.

“Accepting that there’s just over 60 per cent that are saying a complete ban, having read every single comment there, a complete and total ban I’m not ready for,” Danielsen said.

Allowing organized events for which a permit has been issued and Canada Day celebrations is fair, the mayor said.

Shortreed asked if such permits could be applied to any day. Right now, there’s a restriction for only long weekends.

“Are we still sticking with those long weekends or are we just going with Caada Day?” she said.

Richards said that all weekends should be opened up if there’s a permit process for organizations and groups.

“I think most will do it to a specific holiday or event anyway,” Richards said. “I think the only major concern is the migratory bird season. Outside of that, I don’t think we need to limit it too much.”

“I do agree that we need to absolutely have a ban during that period,” Danielsen said.

Richards suggested the local fire department would be the best municipal entity to issue permits and to ensure safety measures are in place.

Danielsen said she is concerned about the township’s ability to enforce a requirement to have a permit for fireworks.

“That was one of the things that kept being repeated (in the survey),” she said. “You can’t enforce what you’ve got now. How are you going to enforce this. It’s a very, very difficult thing to enforce if, in fact, we’ve got somebody available to respond, are they going to get there in time?”

Bylaw violators will argue it wasn’t them if the enforcement officer arrives after the fireworks have been launched.

“I think we need to give some thought about how we’re going to deal with that,” Danielsen said.

She suggested council consult should consult with the bylaw enforcement crowd and the fire department before a final decision is made about fireworks.

Dailloux said a fireworks restriction to only Canada Day makes the regulations clearer and simplified.

“The environmental concerns are possibly gravest during the spring period when you have nesting birds and migrating birds,” Dailloux said. “But there are concerns beyond that, including the chemicals that you’re putting up in the air that falling into the lakes.”

If an all-out ban isn’t in the cards, the environment and wildlife would be better served by restricting fireworks to organized Canada Day events, she said.

Prohibiting fireworks on New Year’s Day and Victoria Day is pushing the activity’s regulation far enough, said Richards.

“If council is leaning towards Canada Day, I would recommend to have a permit system for just Canada Day,” said Angie Bird, the township’s CAO.

Council decided to ask staff to submit an amended bylaw that limits fireworks to only Canada Day.