As Halloween and Diwali near, fire departments and municipalities in the Tri-Cities are reminding residents about the rules around fireworks.
While the purchase and sale of pyrotechnics are banned in Coquitlam, permits can be obtained to blast off for special occasions.
In Port Coquitlam, Halloween permits are only valid until 11 p.m. and anyone flouting the regulations faces a $500 fine. The city is also boosting patrols and security measures for the Halloween weekend, said fire chief Blake Clarkson.
For Port Moody, fireworks use and sales are also prohibited, but licensed pyrotechnicians can apply for a permit, said fire chief Darcey O’Riordan.
In Anmore, low-hazard fireworks can be set off for recreational purposes between Oct. 24 and Nov. 1; for the rest of the year, though, a permit is needed. Vendors can also sell fireworks in Anmore from Oct. 24 to 30, with a licence and permit.
And the Village of Belcarra currently allows fireworks.
The Tri-City News reached out to the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation; however, officials were not immediately available for comment.
This month, Surrey City Council increased its minimum penalty for fireworks violations from $100 to $400 and the maximum fine from $5,000 to $50,000. The move was in response to complaints ahead of Halloween and Diwali.
And, last month, the Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw council passed the Squamish Nation fireworks ban bylaw to stop the use, sale, possession and discharge of fireworks on its reserve lands; the fine is $250 a day.
Halloween houses
Meanwhile, the Tri-City News is compiling a list for families to tour the region on or before Oct. 31 and see the displays — some of which are raising funds for charities:
- Marlene Bilesky has her Westwood Plateau house lights on from 6 to 10 p.m. each night to showcase her decorations at 2988 Forestridge Pl. Actors will be on site on Oct. 26 and 31 to give trick-or-treaters a spook. As in past years, Bilesky is collecting cash for Variety - The Children’s Charity.
- Ken Honigman has transformed his Anmore home at 1151 Robin Way into a tableaux of haunting scenes from H.G. Wells’ novel The Island of Dr. Moreau. The Anmore Manor haunted house is open for tours at the end of October, with proceeds from the $15 entry fee going to the SHARE Family and Community Society food bank. Last year, the organizers raised more than $18,000 in cash for the nonprofit. This year, it runs:
- Oct. 25 = 7 to 10:45 p.m.
- Oct. 26 = 7 to 10:45 p.m.
- Oct. 27 = 7 to 10:30 p.m.
- Oct. 31 = 7 to 10 p.m.
- In Port Moody, it's the 12th year for the Haunted Backyard, a fundraiser for the Coquitlam Animal Shelter. It runs Oct. 25 and 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 486 McGill Dr. and includes a creepy graveyard, a witch's coven, a monster mash, a spider alley and a pumpkin patch. The event is family friendly and free hot chocolate will be served. Food, toy or cash donations for the Coquitlam Animal Shelter will be accepted.
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The Thomas household has its Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Halloween display again this year, opening Oct. 26 and running until Halloween night from 6 to 8 p.m. at 4058 Liverpool St., Port Coquitlam. The family is collecting donations for the School District 43 (SD43) Foundation.
Do you have a Halloween show for the public? Email us your address and we’ll publish it before Oct. 31.
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