Motion to ban fireworks in Brampton passes unanimously at committee meeting

The City of Brampton is one step closer to banning fireworks after a motion was passed unanimously at a committee meeting.

Councillor Dennis Keenan brought forward a motion, seconded by Gurpartap Singh Toor, to ban the use, discharge and sale of fireworks across Brampton. It will be ratified by city council at a meeting on Nov. 28.

Under the amended by-law, the fine for discharging fireworks in Brampton would increase to a minimum of $500, and the penalty for selling or offering to sell fireworks would rise to a minimum of $1,000.

Fireworks would only be permitted in the film industry and through city-run events.

Mayor Patrick Brown acknowledged the motion, saying, “the people of Brampton have spoken.”

“We have heard the concerns of our community regarding the fireworks by-law, and it is our goal that by amending it, we will all enjoy our holidays safely and without disruption, excessive noise or debris,” Brown said.

Under the existing by-law, short-range fireworks are allowed on private property in Brampton without needing a permit on Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali and New Year’s Eve. Keenan noted a significant upsurge in fireworks complaints, saying harsher penalties are needed.

“While it is important that our residents get to celebrate holidays throughout the year with friends and loved ones, we must do so with respect and safety top of mind,” Keenan said.

“I am proud to put forward the motion that our fireworks by-law be amended so that it reflects the thoughts and concerns of our community, and thank those that reached out to the city to have their voices heard.”

Brampton sees giant spike in calls related to fireworks

The city said officials received 1,491 calls concerning the use of fireworks, which is up from 492 in 2018.

Brampton by-law officials also issued over $38,000 in fines relating to fireworks, including excessive noise, fire safety concerns and left-over garbage piles scattered across the city.

“We heard these fireworks concerns loud and clear at the doorsteps during the recent election,” Mayor Brown wrote in a tweet on Wednesday.

A city spokesperson said if councillors ratify the new recommendation, Brampton will add an annual “city-run Diwali celebration event” that will include pyrotechnics, similar to Canada Day and New Year’s Eve in 2023.

In late October, Environment Canada was criticized after it issued a special air quality statement in the GTA due to high levels of air pollution. The national weather agency warned that evening fireworks across the region as part of Diwali celebrations could further contribute to “deteriorating air quality.”

The statement received some backlash on social media, with some questioning why the South Asian festival was singled out, and similar warnings were not issued for Victoria Day or Canada Day.

The weather agency later apologized, saying the statement had nothing to do with Diwali.