New rules governing consumer fireworks came into effect on Jan. 1, 2024
Given the relative newness of Woodstock’s updated fireworks by law, city officials are reminding residents before this Victoria Day long weekend that personal fireworks displays are no longer allowed within city limits.
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“We know this will be a change for some people, and that’s why we wanted to remind residents about the new rules,” Woodstock fire Chief Jeff Slager said in a release. “City bylaw, Woodstock police and the Woodstock Fire Department will be out over the weekend to address complaints and concerns.”
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Last year, city council approved a major change to the city’s bylaw that prohibited the sale and discharge of consumer fireworks within municipal boundaries as of Jan. 1, 2024. Council’s decision was prompted, in part, by an increasing number of complaints involving residents who ignored the previous bylaw’s regulations.
Additionally, the fireworks ban makes it easier for city officials to enforce violations while sharply reducing the risk of fires, injuries, property damage, noise complaints and air pollution, officials said in the release.
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City officials also noted the ban diminishes the negative effect of firework displays on pets, wildlife and their habitats.
Woodstonians are encouraged to contact local police via the department’s non-emergency line at 519-421-2800 ext. 9 if they see or hear someone setting fireworks within the city. The bylaw has set a $400 fine for discharging fireworks in the city and a $1,000 fine for selling fireworks.
More information about the ban is available online at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/fireworks.
Woodstock isn’t the only Ontario municipality to have introduced a ban on consumer fireworks in recent years. Milton and Brampton — two Greater Toronto Area municipalities — are among the jurisdictions that have also banned personal fireworks in the wake of complaints.
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