Orillia city council imposes immediate fireworks ban
In a move councillors said would address public safety concerns, the City of Orillia has implemented an immediate ban on fireworks.
The bylaw, which restricts fireworks displays to council-approved special events only, was given the green light at a Monday council meeting.
Mayor Don McIsaac emphasized the council's goal to address the challenges associated with residential fireworks, such as excessive noise, smoke, and debris, as well as their impact on individuals with traumatic stress disorders, wildlife, and pets.
"We didn't get a lot of people saying yeah we absolutely have to have fireworks," McIsaac said to CTV News. "It is a big concern for the public. We've had significant input on it."
Under the newly enacted bylaw, organizations wanting to host fireworks displays will have to get council approval and adhere to a special event permit process.
"Any approved fireworks will only be permitted to be discharged at Couchiching Beach Park through a special event permit," the City noted.
Currently, the Canada Day Committee's annual Canada Day festivities are the sole event permitted to host fireworks.
"Well right now it's July 1; that's the only approved event," said McIsaac. "But other events: Diwali, Lunar New Year, any other events people can apply and they put in an application and council will look at it and see if it gets approved."
Violations of the bylaw carry significant penalties.
Individuals found unlawfully discharging fireworks could face inspection fees of up to $200, payable by the property owner, and fines of up to $50,000 for those responsible.
Additionally, if the discharge of fireworks results in a fire, property owners may be subject to additional service charges for the Orillia Fire Department's response.
To enforce the bylaw, the City encourages residents to report any instances of unauthorized fireworks discharge to the Ontario Provincial Police via the non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122.
With files from CTV's Dana Roberts.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump confronts repeated boos during raucous Libertarian convention speech
Donald Trump was booed repeatedly while addressing Saturday night’s Libertarian Party National Convention.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
Family of toddler found dead at small-town Ont. daycare no closer to answers after year of investigation
A year has passed since two-year-old Vienna Irwin was found on the property of a home-based daycare in small-town Ontario, but her family says they are no closer to answers of what happened that day.
Grayson Murray, two-time PGA Tour winner, dead at 30
Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray died Saturday morning at age 30, one day after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge at Colonial.
Humboldt Broncos crash victims and families react to decision to deport truck driver
The family of one of the victims of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018 says they are 'thankful' for a decision by a Calgary immigration board to deport the driver of the truck involved.
Fatal plane crash reported near Squamish, B.C.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has confirmed it is working with local Mounties and the BC Coroners Service after a plane crash near Squamish, B.C. Friday night.
'God forgives but we don’t': Loud outburst from stabbing victim’s family during sentencing hearing
An emotional outburst in a London, Ont. courtroom Friday disrupted the sentencing hearing of a woman who pleaded guilty for her part in the death of 29-year-old Mohammed Abdallah.
Three dead after vehicle plunged down a 100-foot embankment in Shediac, N.B.
Three people have died after a vehicle veered off the road in Shediac N.B., Friday morning.
Appeal denied for Edmonton soldier accused of trying to kill her 3 children
An Edmonton woman found guilty of trying to kill her three children has been denied an appeal.