The Delta Police Department wants to ensure the community continues to enjoy safe celebrations this upcoming Halloween.
A report by A/Chief Guy Leeson to the Delta Police Board notes that in 2022, Halloween in South Delta saw significant disturbances, including property damage and injuries caused by fireworks.
In 2023, police implemented a strategy aimed at preventing a repeat, and a positive turnaround was experienced.
“Our focus for Halloween this year is again on overall community safety for enjoyable celebrations, with a particular emphasis on the risks posed by firework usage. Bylaws are one of the several tools our team will use in a broader and multifaceted strategy to mitigate these risks and escalated enforcement actions under the Explosives Act and Criminal Code may also be used as necessary,” the report notes.
The strategy focuses on proactive public safety messaging, early engagement with local youth, strategic deployment at key locations, enhanced enforcement and visibility and collaboration with the City of Delta, Delta Fire Department and Delta School District.
“While coverage during peak periods like Halloween is increased, calls for service (CFS) will be prioritized according to standard operating procedures, with a focus on preserving life, property, and community safety…I must stress the importance of our community, especially the younger community members, following fireworks bylaws to help ensure a safe,” the report notes.
A regional approach is essential in fully addressing the broader issue of fireworks accessibility, the report notes, adding the recent fireworks bylaw amendments in Delta for protection for livestock is a step in the right direction.
City council last month endorsed tougher new city penalties on using fireworks without permission. Although the city banned the use of fireworks, except with a fireworks permit issued by the fire department, 18 years ago, the community continues to experience illegal fireworks used by residents.
The bylaw updates will not solve all fireworks problems, but in the absence of a broader provincial or federal framework, they are the only tools available, states a city staff report.
A City of Delta motion on fireworks was endorsed at last month’s Union of BC Municipalities convention, requesting the province work with local governments to amend the BC Fireworks Act and concurrently work with the federal government to address the online sale of fireworks.
