Saugeen Shores is looking at updating its fireworks bylaw.
A staff report to council Monday evening looks at a number of changes.
Staff are not recommending banning the private use of fireworks.
In fact, they’re looking at including adding more days fireworks can be used to allow for the observation of more cultural celebrations including the Chinese New Year, Eid al-Fitr, and any other holiday if it has written approval from the Fire Chief.
Staff say, “We are hopeful that these changes to the by-law will result in reduced risk to the community, while increasing the understanding that our municipality is rich in diversity and inclusivity.”
They say they looked into the use of noiseless options like drones, lasers, roman candles, and flying fish etc., with an understanding fireworks can be disruptive, and at times upsetting to those with various conditions, as well as to animals, but staff noted, “Unfortunately, these are generally higher cost, low trajectory or ground based, may not be totally silent and have not typically pleased large audiences.”
Fire Chief Ed Melanson is also recommending banning the sale and use of paper lanterns because, the report says, “They can stay airborne for long periods of time before coming down and have been known to start fires.”
Staff have created a draft by-law for councillors to consider.