By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

chance at a do-over

Council to take another crack at fireworks ban

Jul 5, 2019 | 10:13 AM

A ban on fireworks in Red Deer may soon be coming soon after all.

Such a ban was in place until Alberta chose in April to be regulated by the National Fire Code. This rendered existing rules for municipalities null and void unless local governments passed their own policies, which Red Deer city council tried unsuccessfully to do.

Red Deer Emergency Services Chief Ken McMullen said at the time that he wasn’t thrilled about there being free rein for the public with fireworks.

This Monday, city council will consider a number of new options ranging from full restriction to exemptions on certain days of the year, namely Canada Day and New Year’s Eve.

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“Public safety is our top concern as it relates to fireworks and their use,” says McMullen. “We are looking to council to determine what those regulations should be here in Red Deer.”

McMullen says there were around a dozen fireworks complaints from citizens on Canada Day 2019.

In a letter to The City from the Canadian National Fireworks Association (CNFA), it’s stated that, “While the CNFA generally supports year-round purchasing, as it allows us consistent and regular communication with our vendors to ensure full safety compliance, we appreciate the restrictive purchasing timelines being presented. Despite the one-week proposed sales period before both Canada Day and New Years Eve, the CNFA is confident we can work with approved vendors through certification and or safety workshops, as per the will of council.”