Next Halloween should be a lot quieter in Port Moody.
Tomorrow, Nov. 14, council will consider the first three readings of a new bylaw prohibiting the sale of fireworks in the city. As well, the possession of any fireworks will require written permission of the fire chief and a permit will be required for their display.
Violators could face fines of $500 for the possession or unlawful discharge of fireworks, $500 for a first offence of selling fireworks and $1,000 for a second offence.
Currently, fireworks can only be sold in Port Moody from Oct. 24 to 30, for use on Halloween night.
In July, council's governance and legislation committee endorsed a recommendation from Port Moody Fire Rescue (PMFR) to ban the sale of fireworks and tighten rules around their possession and display.
In a presentation, PMFR deputy fire chief Kirk Heaven said fireworks have been creating an increasing nuisance in the city.
"Fireworks are unregulated and uncontrolled," he said, adding they have impacts on animals and the environment, risk public safety, damage property and users often leave behind their litter.
The morning after this past Halloween, Port Moody Police Department reported a "steady" night for officers responding to calls about fireworks being set off illegally in parks and on school properties.
If the new bylaw is passed, the only major municipality left in Metro Vancouver where fireworks can be sold will be the District of North Vancouver after West Vancouver enacted its own ban just prior to Halloween.
