The federal government needs to step up to stop illegal fireworks from creating problems in the City of Delta and Metro Vancouver.
That was the consensus of council last week during discussion on a proposed resolution to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention later this year, agreeing that the federal government also be requested to do more to halt the importation of fireworks through the mail.
The resolution to the UBCM calls on the provincial government to work with municipalities to amend the BC Fireworks Act to establish a consistent approach when it comes to the sale and permitting of fireworks to reduce their unauthorized and unsafe use.
Council last month asked staff to report back on opportunities to improve Delta’s regulations related to the use of fireworks within the community.
Staff found significant differences in how local governments in B.C. are regulating the sale and use of fireworks within their communities. Where no local bylaw exists, the provincial Fireworks Act applies., resulting in discrepancies.
Just one example noted is Delta, where a permit is required to possess and use fireworks within the municipal boundaries and the sale of fireworks is prohibited. However, a resident of Delta that does not have a permit can still purchase fireworks in other nearby communities where the sale is allowed without having to demonstrate they have a permit to possess and use fireworks within their community.
Coun. Dylan Kruger said the spectrum of differing regulations makes enforcement difficult and creates a burden for the police and bylaws departments.
Mayor George Harvie agreed, adding that many fireworks are ordered from places like Europe, showing that a federal regulation to ban them in the mail is also needed to control the problem.
“The fireworks that the police have seized, they’re equivalent to small bombs. And of course, there’s lots of opportunity to buy these from other countries through the mail system,” said Harvie.
Council also agreed to submit a resolution to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Harvie also said the problem doesn’t seem as bad in other parts of the country, but it’s become a big one in Delta and throughout the Lower Mainland.
