Changes to fireworks display by law rejected by council

A robust communications strategy may be the best way to deal with issues surrounding fireworks displays, Norfolk’s CAO suggested Tuesday.

“I would suggest that council proceed with a more robust communications strategy to let the community know in terms of the dos and don’ts, the times fireworks are allowed,” Al Meneses said following a debate by councilors at Tuesday council meeting. “If we continue to get complaints, if we continue to get concerns raised by residents then we can look at next steps in terms of enforcement on those specific evenings that fireworks are not allowed.”

At issue was a motion brought to council by Coun. Kim Huffman that called for the banning of fireworks displays on July 4. It also called for the existing bylaw to be changed to allow fireworks one day instead of two days prior to New Year’s Eve, Victoria Day Monday, Canada Day, US Independence Day, Civic Holiday Monday and Labor Day Monday.

Councilors voted against the motion, keeping the existing bylaw intact.

Huffman first raised the issue in July after hearing from residents who are pet owners and those who have farm animals. She brought the issue forward as a way of tidying up the county’s existing bylaw and made it clear then and again Tuesday that she wasn’t seeking a complete ban on the displays.

“This motion received quite a bit of fireworks,” Huffman said Tuesday. “I do love fireworks, I do not hate fireworks and I do not want to ban fireworks in Norfolk County, quite the opposite.

“It was portrayed in the media and it got picked up a few times and it was just like the issue that wouldn’t die.”

Huffman said she brought it forward because over the years she has received phone calls from individuals who say fireworks are being set off at times when they’re not permitted.

Huffman also said she couldn’t understand why another country’s national holiday would be covered by a Norfolk County bylaw.

Coun. Chris Van Paassen opposed Huffman’s motion.

“The part about July 4th, you know since the War of 1812, I think we’ve been getting a little bit better along with our neighbors to the south and we do have quite a few like – after we kicked their butts by the way – we do have quite a few cottage owners in my ward who are quite happy to share their celebration day of Independence with our neighbors,” Van Paassen said. “And it’s been that way for a long time and I can’t see changing that.”

Van Paassen said July 1st Canada Day and July 4th the American holiday often roll together in terms of fireworks displays and celebrations.

“I think we’ve got bigger issues to deal with than adjusting little bylaws.”

Others, including councilors Doug Brunton and Tom Masschaele, agreed.

“The United States is Canada’s, by far, our largest trading partner and also, in Ward 1, there are countless numbers of Americans who live in Long Point, have cottages in Long Point who have retired here,” Masschaele said. “I think the previous councils who created this fireworks by law were very wise in including them.

“In this age of inclusiveness, I think that it’s totally appropriate to have that particular day included as one of the days where fireworks are allowed.”

Coun. Adam Veri thanked Huffman for bringing the issue forward because it enabled councilors to have a fulsome debate.

Veri said it’s not always easy to bring issues that are likely to be defeated to the attention of council.

“I think it’s worth acknowledging that we had a good talk, so thank you very much,” Veri said.

Coun. Mike Columbus also commented on the council discussion.

“I hope this debate we had here is not going to be printed in the New York Times or on CNN,” Columbus said. “I don’t want to hurt our relationship with our friends to the south.”

The comment from Columbus prompted a response from Mayor Amy Martin.

“And the quote will read ‘we kicked their butts after 1812.’”

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