My name is Jamie Parr and I'm here today to talk to you about fireworks 

So why are we here well well Guelph  City Council has instructed staff to review the city's bylaws on a regular basis to ensure that they are meeting the needs of the city's residence we are here today to hear from you on your thoughts of the use of fireworks in Guelph.

During this Bylaw review process something staff will be considering are: 

• improvements to the licensing and inspections of Updating the list of prohibited fireworks, 

• improving the rules on how to safely charge fireworks, 

• consideration for the requirements of liability insurance ID and age requirements for purchasing and the discharge of fireworks,  

• Updating the time cut-offs for discharge of fireworks, 

• Allowing the sale of fireworks leading up to Diwali,  

• exploring other culturally significant days for fireworks, and 

• addressing other human and environmental links to fireworks.

Here is a list of 2024 celebrations of note that have culturally used fireworks 

•  Lunar New Year 

• Victoria Day 

• Canada Day 

• Diwali, and 

• New Year's Eve 

The middle three are currently allowed to discharge fireworks for the respective days 

Fireworks can provide great joy for those who can see them but they also can have unintended human and environmental impacts such as noise pollution. Noise from fireworks can reach between 120-170 decibels that is louder than a jackhammer or jet engine airplane taking off 25 years away scientists consider the safe threshold to be 100 decibels past which noise becomes deafening and even a health and safety hazard. Chemical and physical pollution fireworks release harmful contaminants that can affect air quality contribute to climate change and damage the environment. Particulate matter from fireworks can cause toxic Haze and can land on soil and in water this can lead to severe consequences on ecosystems.  Debris from the fireworks May pose a physical hazard and leftover bases can create environmental pollution if not properly disposed of fireworks. Fire risk the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs advocates for the complete Banning of all consumer grade fireworks climate change has been linked to an increase in drug conditions during the summer months. This increase also increases the risk of fires associated with fireworks. Bodily harm at 2016 consumer product safety report noted that children under the age of 15 accounted for nearly 1/3 of all fireworks related to injuries treated in emergency rooms that year those 24 and younger seem to be most of this with the potential harm from fireworks extending from minor burns to loss of fingers damaged eyes and ears and in rare cases even death. Mental harm and PTSD fireworks need triggering for individuals with PTSD and combat veterans the loud unexpected noises and darkness can resemble a combat scenario even for those without PTSD, fireworks can be a reminder of those experiences and can have a significant impact causing disrupted sleep and increased stress. Overall fireworks can be a significant stressor for many people. Animals and pets: fireworks can significantly impact animals especially those who sensitive Birds the loud noises variety of meeting pets may try to run away or hide causing them to get lost or injured. Wildlife can get affected with birds and other animals abandoning their nests or habitat due to the disturbances caused by fireworks. 

So what are other cities doing well Brampton has issued a complete ban on all fireworks.  Vaughn and Caledon are permanent only which means you first have to apply to the city and meet their guidelines in order to have a firework display.  Oakville allows fireworks for any cultural celebrations for the fireworks have traditionally been used. Ajax allows fireworks for Luther New Year, Victoria day, Canada Day and New year’s Eve.  Guelph currently allows fireworks on just Canada Day, Victoria Day and Diwali.

So what are some options under consideration? Well option one keep existing days and improve safety measures, Option Two, increase the number of allowed days to other culturally significant days, and improve safety measures.  Option three, move to a permit only system.  Option four, a total ban.

So what are the next steps in a bylaw review? Well first we will review all the results from the two and the online Survey.  Using the communities input we will draft a staff report with recommendations to city council on current fireworks bylaw with the report to council expected order for 2024. residents will be allowed for a correspondence or delegate on the matter when it is presented to council. 

Thank you very much for listening to me and have a lovely day.