City of Guelph considers fireworks bylaw to ramp up restrictions [Video]

The City of Guelph is taking a closer look at how they deal with fireworks.

City council is considering a bylaw that would require a permit for anyone to set off backyard fireworks.

“I will state upfront that the status quo will not do, that much is known,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie.

Currently, fireworks are only allowed to be set off in Guelph three days a year: Canada Day, Victoria Day and Diwali.

But during Tuesday night’s council meeting, councillors looked at a staff report that would require anyone looking to set off fireworks to get a permit from city hall. It would also require a licensed display supervision, safety inspection and an animal safety plan.

Some delegates spoke in favour of the restrictive bylaw.

“There are a number of chemicals emitted from fireworks that are known to cause spikes in asthma attacks afterwords, and we know this from hospital reports, not just antidotes,” said delegate, Alex Ciccone.

Others …