WHEREAS British Columbia experienced an active fire season this summer due to extremely dry weather conditions and the misuse and abuse of fireworks causes significant property damage and personal injury, and generates unnecessary costs for taxpayers; AND WHEREAS the Community Charter enables local governments to regulate fireworks, however lack of staffing and funding drastically affects the ability of local governments to provide enforcement: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that a province-wide approach is needed for the safe manufacturing, transportation, retail, wholesale and use of fireworks; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to regulate the use of fireworks in British Columbia by a permit system, including public education, enforcement, international and municipal cross border transportation, and cost recovery where loss can be directly attributed to the use and abuse of fireworks.
Ministry of Public Safety Solicitor General Current provincial fireworks legislation in British Columbia regulates low hazard fireworks only. Fireworks are classified under the Federal Explosives Regulation. The proposed regulatory change would require significant local government involvement and support, which has not been evident in previous efforts to amend existing fireworks regulations. Local government bylaws are an effective way of implementing best practices that can be adapted andor modified by local governments to meet unique local needs. The Province, through the Office of the Fire Commissioner, has previously directed its efforts into public awareness programs on the safe handling and discharge of fireworks.