A plan to restrict firework sales in Medicine Hat and use of recreational fireworks by the general public is drawing heat from a group representing the industry.
Last spring, restrictions on low-hazard fireworks were removed from the provincial fire code, partially due to lobbying by the Canadian National Fireworks Association.
After decades of firecrackers and roman candles being essentially banned within urban limits it is now up to individual municipalities whether to continue with the prohibition.
Medicine Hat council wrestled with the issue last spring of whether a local ban was needed, with some arguing leeway was needed to uphold personal freedom.
On Monday a proposed bylaw fell in line with fire department recommendations that as a matter of public safety the ban should continue.
CNFA executive director Perry Logan told the News this week he believes Alberta cities are bringing in legislation as a matter of practice without examining the issues or potential upside.
“We believe that (councils) don’t understand there’s opposition to it (a ban),” Logan told the News this week. “There’s a huge opportunity and a huge demand for fireworks.”
He said city dwellers are likely to buy and use fireworks no matter the ban. He said its better that qualified retailers are there to advise customers on proper use.
The Medicine Hat Fire Service says general-use fireworks and firecrackers are a public safety issue and a fire risk in Medicine Hat.
Council members in support argue that a new ban is really an extenuation of one that was already in place until last spring.
“This really reflects what we know as the status quo,” said Coun. Julie Friesen. “Nothing’s changed … it’s not part of some grandiose scheme to give the city greater control.”
Mayor Ted Clugston said that while he contemplated opposing a ban, he was swayed by the implications for fire safety during dry, hot months.
“People like fireworks,” he told reporters. “But some bad apples ruin things.”
The bylaw would leave in place a system for licensed pyrotechnic companies to stage large shows, like those at the Medicine Hat Stampede or Canada Day festivals.
Those companies are required to be licensed, work with the fire department and hold at least $5 million in general insurance policies.
Fines proposed in the bylaw for unlicensed possession or use of fireworks range from $250 to $1,500.
Previously, fire officials said they had essentially no power to enforce the provisions in the fire code.
