Bid to ban backyard fireworks fizzles out at committee meeting
CTV
A deep divide over the future of commercially sold backyard fireworks was on full display at city hall on Tuesday.
A deep divide over the future of commercially sold backyard fireworks was on full display at city hall.
Following a marathon public participation meeting, an option to ban the sale and use of backyard fireworks found little support among members of the Community and Protective Services Committee and the handful of other councillors in attendance.
On Tuesday, Londoners filled the public gallery and two overflow rooms at city hall to provide feedback about updating the municipal fireworks bylaw.
During several hours of public input, some delegates argued that fireworks negatively impact animals, the environment, and people with health conditions including autism, PTSD, and lung disease.
But others asserted there are long held religious, cultural, and celebratory reasons to permit backyard firework displays.
Members of the south Asian community emphasized the importance of fireworks during Diwali, a holiday that celebrates light conquering darkness.
