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“Some people will say this is a no-fun-city sort of move but fireworks are no fun for people who suffer from PTSD,” said Fry, recounting his own experience with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“We will still be able to enjoy fireworks,” he said because large community groups will still be able to apply for a licence to hold a display legally.

Wiebe said the ban disregarded the cultural significance of fireworks for those who celebrate religious or ethnic events like Diwali or Chinese New Year. He also said it was the loss of a chance for neighbours to get together in small block parties to get to know one another every Halloween.

And he said council was disregarding the voices of young people, who may not know how to contact their council to oppose the ban but would be denied the joy of small fireworks gatherings.

The motion passed was to ban the sale and use of consumer fireworks, which means a loss of the “millions” in estimated sales at the 43 pop-up shops that sold fireworks this Halloween. The bylaw has gone to staff for wording.

Carr said she struggled with her vote because “I love fireworks.” But she said close friends had their house burn down after their son set off fireworks in the attic, and she had to support the ban.

“This motion does strike a good balance,” she said.

Dominato said she too wrestled with her vote but decided to vote for the ban because of the effects on children and pets, and because of safety and property damage concerns, as well as how it would affect people suffering from PTSD or other trauma.