The first reading of an amended by-law regulating the sale and use of Fireworks took place at the Regular Meeting of Council on Monday.

The intent of the changes to this by-law is to address concerns such as ensuring fireworks companies and technicians are licensed and they adhere to fire safety practices, among others.

Mayor Colleen Smook has more.

“Part of the desire for the change comes from wanting to ensure that commercial fireworks show operators have insurance to cover any damages that the shows could potentially cost rather than having that cost fall to the City.”

Another addition is a $500 permit fee, which includes a site inspection per event.

As a reminder, those who discharge fireworks in the City without appropriate permits and inspections could face fines of one-thousand dollars.

This fine was already in the by-law, but hadn’t been included in the Fee and Fine Schedule.