Third Year of Vancouver’s Fireworks Ban

Photo Credit: Francis Georgian/Vancouver Sun

2023 marks the third year of the City of Vancouver’s consumer fireworks ban. The bylaw, which was initially proposed by City Councillor Pete Fry, took effect on Nov. 1, 2020, and stated that “the sale and use of fireworks by the general public is no longer permitted in Vancouver”, with certain exceptions.

According to The Times Colonist, most of the public was in favour of the ban and the issue attracted more feedback than any other issues the council has debated. Now, only certified technicians who have a certificate and a permit from the fire department are permitted to use fireworks for community events. Anyone using fireworks illegally can be fined up to $1,000 by the City of Vancouver. 

Under the current bylaw, the only time when fireworks can be used is for special community events like Canada Day, Diwali, Lunar New Year, and the Celebration of Lights. In 2023, the Celebration of Lights took place this summer with Australia, Mexico, and the Philippines showcasing their fireworks over three dates. The Celebration of Lights is one of the designated special community events that is accessible to all and brings people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures together.

The city decided to ban fireworks for health and safety reasons and for protection of buildings and properties. According to CBC News, Councillor Pete Fry told city council before the vote, “people who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, children with neurodivergence and autism, veterans fleeing war-torn regions, and people who have pets are absolutely spooked and traumatized by fireworks every year.” People can also be affected by the noise and lights from fireworks.

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) Public Information Officer, Matthew Trudeau, supports the ban and says the decision was made in response to an alarming number of properties being damaged, fires, and injuries from fireworks.

Since the ban, the number of fires in Vancouver has steadily decreased. “We’re seeing less property damage and less injuries by a significant margin in the last three years,” Trudeau told CityNews. Many residents felt relief because they were tired of hearing fireworks at all hours of the day and night.

According to CBC News, fireworks retailers strongly oppose Vancouver’s ban, saying that they are being unfairly punished for the actions of people who chose not to follow the existing bylaws. This Halloween, people in Vancouver continued to use fireworks illegally and many residents complained about the ban not being reinforced. The VFRS reminded people that fireworks are illegal in the city and drove around neighborhoods to ticket people with them in possession.

Photo Credit: Ben Nelms/CBC