New fireworks restrictions expected in Barrie
Enhanced restrictions on when fireworks are permitted to be set off in Barrie are expected.
On Monday night, Barrie city councillors are set to ratify a motion that would limit the timeframe fireworks are allowed to be used.
"But this came from a broad range of residents reaching out who said as the representative on council how do we bring this to the table, how do we have conversations about limiting the days," says Ward 3 councillor Ann-Marie Kungl who is behind the motion. "We were seeing broad impacts, and residents basically said it's not a trivial matter, yes we want neighbours to have fun, but it's gone a bit too far."
The motion would restrict fireworks only to be discharged on Victoria Day, Canada Day, New Year's Day, Chinese New Year and Diwali. Currently, regulations allow for fireworks to be used up to five days before any of the above-listed holidays.
Kungl first tabled the motion at general committee's June 7 virtual gathering. It passed with consent, meaning it had the support of all councillors to move forward.
"I was surprised, but I did start to hear from residents across the ward and across the city," says Kungl in response to the unanimous approval. "So I'm sure my fellow councillors had heard about this, but also when we look at other municipalities, by far, I'm seeing Barrie has given a lot of opportunities for residents to have fireworks."
Kungl says in her research she has discovered that the motion would put Barrie in line with a majority of other communities in regards to the restrictions.
The Ward 3 councillor says she's heard a wide variety of concerns from residents. According to Kungl, many shift workers and parents are concerned about the noise volume startling them. Some pet owners have also said they have had to change where they walk, as many dogs have been scared of them going off in certain parks.
Once approved, Kungl expects the rules to go into effect immediately, potentially in time for Canada Day. She says an education campaign will be needed.
"We'll have to then look at how do we get out some good education and information about what does this mean and what does this mean for how people communicate concerns," says Kungl. "Because what we are also seeing is while we permit it before a holiday, we were seeing after Victoria Day, up to two weeks after people were setting off fireworks."
Barrie city council is expected to meet virtually Monday at 7 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.