The City of Calgary could be introducing stiffer penalties for people who set off fireworks illegally, as well as those who illegally sell them. On Tuesday, members of city council’s community development committee will hear a report from administration that suggests fines for illegally selling fireworks be bumped from $750 to $3,000. It also proposes fines for illegal discharge/use of fireworks be doubled from $500 to $1,000. In addition, the report recommends a $1,000 fine for open display of fireworks – something not currently associated with a fine. Calgary’s Fire Operations and Fees bylaw prohibits the sale, purchase and discharge of fireworks within city limits without a permit – including consumer fireworks (such as Roman candles), display fireworks (such as waterfalls and multi-shot cakes) and firecrackers. Despite this, the report says unauthorized sale and discharge of consumer fireworks “remain an issue.” Tuesday’s report comes after Ward 5 Coun. Raj Dhaliwal introduced a notice of motion last November that suggested potential bylaw amendments “to strengthen enforcement from the sales and distribution perspective, including review of current fines, penalties and licensing requirements for individuals or businesses found selling fireworks illegally.” Peak periods for illegal firework use According to the report, peak periods for illegal firework use are Diwali, Canada Day, Stampede and New Years. The report says data from 311, the Calgary Fire Department and the Calgary Police Service show spikes in complaints and incidents around specific dates, “especially during the Diwali festival period (October/November), which in recent years has generated the highest volume of 311 fireworks-related complaints.” In addition to increasing fines, city administration is recommending enhancing education and outreach and enabling community-led events with the help of city funding – an approach that would prioritize safety while enabling safe celebrations. The report notes that administration explored options to expand or pilot city-supported fireworks celebrations as alternatives to unauthorized use, particularly for cultural events such as Diwali, but noted a city-led event would require significant funding (about $750,000), staffing and planning timelines (12 to 18 months). It suggests that instead, city-supported, community-led events may be able to leverage the Festival and Event Subsidy program or a microgrant. The report says novelty items, such as sparklers, party poppers and toy pistol caps – would be except from the updated bylaw, with no fine for use.
