Tecumseh is ready to update its bylaws regarding the sale and use of fireworks within the town limits.
Town Council will look later this month at changes to the fireworks bylaws first adopted in 2013, with the purpose being to create a "safer and more effective approach to the regulations relating to the sale and use of fireworks", according to the bylaw. The administration has recommended council approval.
"The current fireworks bylaw, 2013-50, was passed in 2013, but it now appears to be outdated as it does not address all the contemporary health and safety concerns regarding fireworks," read the recommendation. "Additionally, the current bylaw appears to be impractical in its application for both residents and Town bylaw enforcement."
Some concerns raised included limits to selling fireworks around certain holidays, like Victoria Day, Canada Day, American Independence Day, and New Year's Eve. The previous bylaw also had no restrictions on when consumer fireworks could be set off, and no safety requirements for the storage, sale, display, or setting of fireworks.
Differentiating between certain types of fireworks has now been addressed.
"The current bylaw does not make a distinction between and define Consumer Fireworks, Display or High Powered Fireworks, and Pyrotechnic Special Effect Fireworks, nor explain the specific requirements for each type of firework. The proposed new Fireworks Bylaw now makes these distinctions," read the bylaw.
With the new bylaws, residents who use consumer fireworks could shoot them off between sunset and 11 p.m. on designated days, and between sunset New Year's Eve and 12:30 a.m. New Year's Day. Display or high-powered fireworks can be set off only after obtaining a permit from the Tecumseh Fire Department, with approval from the fire chief. Special-effect firework permits should follow the same guidelines and can now only be set off under the supervision of a certified pyrotechnician.
The new fireworks bylaws will be before Town Council at its April 25th meeting.