It appears backyard fireworks won't be banned in London.
After three hours of public input Tuesday, the city's community and protective services committee voted 4-1 against an outright ban, instead opting to amend the current bylaw to tighten restrictions and add Diwali to the permissible days.
Going into the meeting, councillors were presented with two different choices. The first option would allow Londoners to set off fireworks between dusk and 11 p.m. on Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Diwali. It would cut the number of days prior to events that retailers can sell fireworks from seven to five and increase fines for people who violate the by-law.
The second option would completely ban the sale and the discharging of all backyard fireworks in London. It would also increase current municipal fines.
The public participation part of the meeting drew a large number of people from the South Asian community. They argued that fireworks are spiritually and culturally significant to Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
"Our community has come in great numbers to make a point. We represent more than 10,000 Hindus in London," said Paresh Soni, who is the executive director of the advocacy group Hindu Legacy. "Generally a community that is very quiet and hardly seen or heard is very passionate about this."
Politicians were presented with a petition with roughly 1,000 signatures collected over six days from the Hindu community in support of permitting backyard fireworks on major holidays.
"Diwali is a tradition that is over 800 years old. How can you have Diwali without fireworks? It's like having Christmas without a Christmas tree," said Soni. "Fireworks is in our DNA."
Those who spoke in favour of banning the sale and use of backyard fireworks cited concerns over noise pollution, harm to animals and damage to the environment.
"I am not here as a hater of fun, but as someone who cares deeply and compassionately not only for your environment but for your children and your own wellness," said Becca Amendola, the co-founder of Londoners for Quiet Fireworks. "We are not trying to attack any particular culture by asking for a consumer ban. We have been pursuing this issue for over two years, whereas the Hindu community has only just started participating once Diwali was introduced within Option A."
"Fireworks have become a growing public safety issue," Amendola added.
After listening to all of the individuals who requested delegation status to speak at the meeting, Mayor Josh Morgan and Councillors Corrine Rahman, Elizabeth Peloza, and Jerry Pribil all voted in favour of the first option. Councillor David Ferreira was the only one to vote against it.
The issue will now go to city council for final approval on August 29.
