Wawa Municipal Council's again putting off confirming plans regarding firework sales - but appears to be leaning toward ending the blanket prohibition in town.
In their Committee of the Whole meeting last night, Council was presented a staff report and draft by-law to regulate the sale and use of fireworks within the municipality, with CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill explaining it would allow sale by businesses under certain restrictions - including permitting for those businesses - while restricting the sales period to just fourteen days before the Victoria Day weekend and fourteen days before Canada Day - that length being the "average" among municipalities that allowed firework sales, though some only had a five-day period and others were seasonal, options that O'Neill noted could be taken if Council wished, further noting that no "significant" economic impact is expected by allowing sales.
Prompted by a request by a local business to be allowed to sell fireworks, the draft by-law also excludes certain types of fireworks like firecrackers, and sets out restrictions for use, including that it's not allowed in certain locations, only for residents at least 18 years old, and limited to the day before, of, or after Victoria Day or Canada Day, though people could apply for exemptions for special occasions - Mayor Melanie Pilon also suggested adding New Year's Eve and Diwali to the acceptable occasions - and the by-law affirms that firework use is barred during a fire ban.
Mayor Pilon praised the "compromise" as "equitable" with the sale of alcohol, cannabis, and firearms already allowed in the community, while Councillor Mitch Hatfield asked Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin about risks involved - told it varies by various factors but could include injury or fire, including forest fire - and Councillor Cathy Cannon asked about public input - as referenced in a prior report - told plans are to accept input before the by-law is brought to a vote at the next meeting, on June 16th.