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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.