HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-16-004 - Amendment to Fireworks and Firecrackers By-law - Chapter 739
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: February 8, 2016
SUBMITTED BY: Gloria MacNeil, Interim Director of By-law Enforcement
(519-741-2200, ext. 7952)
PREPARED BY: Gloria MacNeil, Interim Director of By-law Enforcement
(519-741-2200, ext. 7952)
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: January 21, 2016
REPORT NO.: CSD-16-004
SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 739 FIREWORKS AND
FIRECRACKERS
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RECOMMENDATION: That a by-law be enacted to amend Chapter 739 (Fireworks
and Firecrackers) of the City of Kitchener’s Municipal Code, to add the Diwali
festival to the list of permitted times when fireworks are permitted to be
displayed.
BACKGROUND:
The Gujarati Cultural Association (GCA) has reached out to the City
and requested that Chapter 739 Fireworks and Firecrackers By law be updated to
recognize Diwali (festival of lights) as a day which is permitted to display fireworks.
REPORT:
Diwali has been the most important festival in the entire South Asian region
for thousands of years. Its literal meaning is the festival of lights and fireworks have
been a very important part of the Diwali celebrations. Preparations and rituals of Diwali
extend over a five day period. The third day is the main festival day which is celebrated
with fireworks.
In past years, staff have worked with The Gujarati Cultural Association (GCA) during the
Diwali festivities to accommodate their request to display fireworks. As a safety
precaution we have provided them a list of the safety requirements as outlined in the by
law, so they could be distributed to their members. Since being approached by the
GCA in 2014, staff are not aware of any complaints regarding the display of fireworks
during Diwali.
Several municipalities have already expanded their list of permitted days, in their
respective by-laws, to include Diwali; some examples are: Waterloo, Guelph and Milton.
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By-law Enforcement has spoken with both Fire and Licensing and both divisions are
supportive of the amendment.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommendation
of this report supports the achievement of the city’s strategic vision through the delivery
of core service.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
The Gujarati Cultural Association (GCA) have been
contacted and provided background and comments on the importance of fireworks
during the Diwali festivities, they are supportive of the amendment we are requesting to
the By law.
CONCLUSION
: It is staff’s opinion that Chapter 739 (Fireworks and Firecrackers) be
amended to allow for fireworks during the Diwali Festival as permitted. Safety
.
provisions and regulations would still apply as outlined in the by law
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Mark Hildebrand, Acting DCAO, Community Services
Department
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