THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay city councillor Aldo Ruberto wants the city to consider new limits on fireworks, reporting growing concerns on the issue from constituents.
A motion from the at-large councillor seeks a report from city administration on the possibility of reducing the number of days per year residents can set off fireworks and imposing maximum noise levels, among other potential limits.
Constituents are asking for action on the issue, Ruberto writes in a memo accompanying his motion.
“Many residents have contacted me and commented on my social media platforms sharing their concerns about fireworks being set off in our city. There are issues with noise and the time of fireworks being set off [in] addition to concerns regarding the intensity of fireworks and the sound being impactful to pets and to those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [sic].”
Residents are allowed to set off fireworks without a permit on 21 days of the year under the current city fireworks bylaw, last updated in 1995. That includes New Year’s Day, Victoria Day, Canada Day, the August civic holiday, Labour Day, and New Year’s Eve, and the three days preceding each one.
Ruberto’s motion asks the city to consider decreasing that number, going so far as to suggest changes that would “[prohibit] the extension of days preceding holidays” altogether.
To address noise concerns, the motion seeks a recommendation on whether the city can enforce a maximum decibel level for fireworks sold to the public.
It also asks the city to consider taking on a greater enforcement role, using its bylaw officers to respond to noise complaints and other concerns.
Ruberto’s motion will be considered at city council’s July 20 meeting. It seeks a report back from administration by Nov. 23.
