Sparks flew in Red Deer city council chambers this week over a proposed new fireworks bylaw.
Coun. Ken Johnston pushed to remove sparklers from a proposed prohibited-without-a-licence list that includes the purchase of commercial-style fireworks and other explosives.
Since sparklers can be purchased at many dollar stores, Johnston said he wouldn’t want local residents to be breaking the law by putting one on their birthday cake.
“In our zeal to do the right thing and prevent injury,” he added, “we could be going too far.”
Johnston and many others on council were surprised to learn at Monday’s meeting that sparklers always have been illegal in Alberta. Members of council were told that city inspectors have often spoken to various businesses and asked them to be removed.
Red Deer’s protective services director Paul Goranson said the fireworks bylaw proposed by the city is actually exactly the same as Alberta’s fireworks rules under the National Fire Code.
Only, as the Alberta portion of the regulations expired on April 1, municipalities are now having to create their own local fireworks bylaws.
According to a report presented to council, sparklers cause hundreds of injuries each year. Although Canada does not keep such statistics, about 1,200 people a year are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year for sparkler-related burns.
Johnston stoked some support among councillors by arguing that matches or candles can also cause injuries if misused. His amendment to omit the word “sparklers” from the bylaw prohibitions — if they are purchased by someone 18 years old or older — was approved by council on first reading.
The fireworks bylaw will return for second and third reading — and possibly more discussion — on April 15.
lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com
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