The city is planning to amend its fireworks bylaw to permit fireworks displays to celebrate the Lunar New Year and Diwali.
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“We often talk about how we aspire to become a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community and that’s an important message but it means nothing unless you’re prepared to back it up with action either through policies or programs,” Mayor Kevin Davis said. “This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate a commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming community.”
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Councilors recommended approval of the additions at a Jan. 16 committee meeting.
Diwali is the Hindu community’s festival of light and it symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness of good over evil. Fireworks have been an inherent and critical component of those celebrations, Davis said.
Brantford has a fast growing Hindu community and the city wants them to feel welcome and included, Davis said.
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“There are going to be so many people in Ward 1 who will be very happy to see this,” Coun. Rose Sicoli said. “It is very symbolic of the city of Brantford opening our arms and welcoming all communities and bringing us together.”
The Lunar New Year marks the start of the Chinese New Year and also features fireworks displays.
The Chinese New Year takes place Feb. 10, marking the start of the Year of the Dragon.
The city’s fireworks by law already allows, under specific restrictions, fireworks displays on Victoria Day and Canada Day and the three calendar days preceding both dates.
The Brantford Fire Department provides education about the safe use of fireworks prior to both Canada Day and Victoria Day. A similar education program will be held prior to the Lunar New Year and Diwali, councilors were told.
The recommendation is expected to be approved at Jan. 30 meeting of city council.
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