Calgary's city council has taken a unanimous step towards cracking down on the illegal use and sale of fireworks within city limits. In a 15-0 vote on Monday, councillors supported a motion from Ward 5 Coun. Raj Dhaliwal directing city administration to review the existing bylaw and propose stricter penalties.
Current Fines Deemed an Insufficient Deterrent
The move comes in response to growing concerns over unsafe and unpermitted pyrotechnics, often linked to religious or cultural festivities. Coun. Raj Dhaliwal argued that the current fine structure is failing to deter violators. "What I'm hearing from residents is that (our bylaw) is not a deterrent right now for someone who is selling, buying or letting fireworks off without a permit," Dhaliwal stated after the vote.
Under the existing Calgary fireworks bylaw, only certified professionals with proper permits are allowed to use, sell, or possess pyrotechnics. Contraventions can result in fines of $250 for selling or discharging illegal fireworks and $500 for possession. These penalties apply to both residents and businesses.
Review to Look at Other Cities and Cultural Partnerships
The administrative review will not only examine harsher fines but will also look at how other major Canadian cities like Surrey, B.C., and Brampton, Ont., are handling similar issues. Furthermore, Dhaliwal's motion instructs the city to collaborate with local faith groups. The goal is to explore the possibility of creating alternative, sanctioned cultural celebrations that could provide a safe and legal outlet for communities.
"In the last two years, we have seen very unsafe, irresponsible uses of fireworks, so this is a first step to look at better enforcement, education (and a) better fine mechanism," Dhaliwal explained, highlighting the particular concerns in his northeast ward.
Significant Legal and Safety Risks Already in Place
Officials emphasize that the consequences for breaking fireworks rules are already severe and extend beyond municipal bylaws. In an October news release, Michael Briegel, the city’s deputy chief of business safety, warned that selling fireworks without a permit is illegal and may lead to significant fines or enforcement actions against businesses.
Violations may also breach the National Fire Code, which falls under the provincial Safety Codes Act. Penalties under that act can be far more severe, including fines up to $500,000 and potential jail time. The unanimous council vote signals a strong intent to bolster these existing measures with more impactful municipal penalties to enhance public safety.
