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I’ve already given my (unpopular) opinion on fireworks, but now you can have your say in a more official fashion. The City of Burlington is looking for resident input on possible changes to the fireworks bylaw.

Currently, neighbourhood fireworks displays are allowed on Victoria Day and Canada Day, and the three days leading up to those holidays.

"We want to ensure that our fireworks bylaw is balanced, respectful and inclusive of all residents,” said Dave Lazenby, Burlington Fire Chief. “We recognize that neighbourhood firework celebrations may be a joyous experience for some but may present as noise and nuisance for others.”

“From a fire service perspective, we do not recommend family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays.”

Burlington Mayor, Marianne Meed Ward put forward a recommendation in Oct. 2019 to explore expanding permission to discharge and sell fireworks to include a broader range of religious and cultural celebrations—like Diwali.

The recommendation explored amending bylaws regulating nuisance and noise control, the sale and use of fireworks, and the authorizing of the fire chief to be able to immediately grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

The online survey will be available at getinvolvedburlington.ca/fireworks from Feb. 10 until March 2.

Once the data has been collected and analyzed, staff says it will prepare a report and recommendation for City Council.

Regulations for the sale and use of fireworks in Burlington are as follows: