Fireworks Ban : Vancouver approves motion to stop sale and use of consumer fireworks

Vancouver city council has voted to stop the sale and use of consumer fireworks in the City of Vancouver. The motion was put forward Coun. Pete Fry in October and 3 opposed, 1 abstained and 7 in total voted in favour of the motion.

With this, Vancouver has become the latest municipality to stop the sale of fireworks.

Speaking about this, Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart in council chambers said,"This has passed with Councillor Wiebe, Councillor De Genova and myself in opposition,"

Motion put forward by Coun. Pete Fry stated,

"It's no fun for people who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Children with neuro divergent and autism, for Veterans, for people fleeing war torn regions for people that have pets,”

According to Fry's suggestion, the ban on sales be implemented in 2021.

Melanie Sutherland, of the Canadian National Fireworks Association said,"We now don't have the ability to educate the public. They're going to be looking at other avenues online, different municipalities, the US.”

According to the data compiled by Vancouver firefighters suggested the average annual fire loss due to fireworks is $379,000.

The fireworks, which are designed to be used by professionals are not included in this.

Whereas, Coun. Michael Wiebe, voted against the motion and said, "But what we've talked about is Diwali and all the other festivals are really people meeting in their backyards and bringing ten friends.”