Labour Day fireworks could look different in future years if Thunder Bay City Council updates its by-law.
Licensing and Enforcement Manager Doug Vincent said one of the changes they’re proposing Monday is reducing the number of days you can set off fireworks without a permit.
The current by-law identifies seven days where it allows fireworks.
They propose only allowing fireworks, on certain “named days” such as New Years Day, starting at dusk the night before those days until 12:30 a.m. on the day itself.
However, Vincent mentioned it would become easier to get a permit to set off fireworks on other days, allowing for things like the Lunar New Year and other celebrations.
“When you set off a firework, unless we’re standing right there or somebody witnesses it and wants to point you out and come to court, it’s very difficult for us to know whom in the party in the back yard actually fired off the firework,” admitted Vincent. “So we’re looking to hold the property owner responsible, or the tenant if it’s a rental unit.”
The manager noted city staff are also proposing stronger penalties, higher fines for repeat offences, and some other changes.
If the motion is approved, city staff will come back by the end of October with an updated by-law for Council to vote on.