Steeper fines, better conversations on firework safety topic of motion to city council

Fire damage during a recent Diwali celebration is motivating one city councillor to push for more fireworks regulations and steeper penalties.

Fire damage during recent Diwali celebrations is motivating one Edmonton councillor to push for more fireworks regulation and steeper penalties.

Ward Karhiio Coun. Keren Tang has introduced a motion that would aim to find better ways to inform Edmontonians about firework rules.

“This year I would say we’ve actually been quite proactive in terms of enforcement … but I think there are a few more things we can do,” she told reporters on Friday.

• Get the latest Edmonton updates right to your inbox

This would include messaging about fireworks in multiple languages, higher fines and better-regulated sales.

Tang says she’s also interested in partnering with faith groups to put on community firework shows for next year’s celebrations.

Earlier this year, city council restricted firework use, making it illegal to launch fireworks of any kind in city limits without a permit from the fire department.

In October, though, multiple homes were damaged by what police believed were backyard fireworks launched to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali.

Tang said the city is seeing increased costs for services like emergency first response and “continual complaints” about firework use.