Proposed changes to Squamish's fireworks regulations didn't go off with Squamish officials.
While the Squamish Fire Chief Russ Inouye had safety on his mind, the drafted measures went too far, District of Squamish Mayor Rob Kirkham said at a Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday (March 18).
The proposed limitations on consumer-grade fireworks, including sparklers, would only allow Squamish residents to set them off on Halloween. Under the proposal, fireworks would have to be used on private property and no closer than 30 metres from buildings.
The municipality doesn't have the resources to enforce such restrictions, Coun. Ron Sander warned. Whatever regulations the district goes with, they should encourage people to be accountable, rather than chasing them into the bushes, he said.
The district should issue free fireworks permits that have an educational side to the process, Coun. Bryan Raiser said. Making people jump through a bunch of hoops is not going to stop teenagers from running around the street with Roman candles, he noted.
Under the proposed guidelines, most residents' lots would not allow for the use of fireworks, Coun. Doug Race said, noting the large setback restriction. Sometimes the safest place to light them may be a public area, like a street, he added. Race questioned just how dangerous sparklers are, comparing them to cigarettes or candles.
Restricting the use of consumer fireworks to one day is unrealistic, Coun. Susan Chapelle said, noting Diwali, the "festival of lights," is a big celebration every autumn that includes fireworks. Using fireworks safely falls on the entire community, she noted.
"I think that really it is the responsibility of the parents," Chapelle said.
Council voted for staff to come back to the table with different parameters regarding consumer fireworks.
