The District of Squamish council will review a proposal tomorrow to ban the use of consumer fireworks in town. The recommendation from the local fire department will be presented at the September 16 regular council meeting.
The proposed bylaw amendments would make it illegal to set off consumer-grade fireworks in Squamish. The changes would also introduce new fines under the Notice Enforcement Bylaw and Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw.
According to the staff report, the ban is intended to address fire safety risks, dangerous use of fireworks, and impacts on the environment, wildlife, and pets. The report also notes that neighbouring communities, including West Vancouver and North Vancouver, have already banned the use of consumer fireworks.
“The recommendation to prohibit the use of fireworks within the District resulted from meetings with the Squamish Nation, RCMP, and Community Bylaw Services,” the report states. It points to incidents on Halloween 2024, when fireworks were discharged toward people, including law enforcement, and large groups caused vandalism at schools.
Currently, residents can apply for free online permits to use fireworks on Halloween, Diwali, and New Year’s Eve. In 2024, only 34 permits were issued for Halloween, but fireworks were widely used outside permitted areas and often by underage individuals. Staff say the permitting process does not reflect the true scale of fireworks use and offers little oversight.
If approved, the bylaw amendments would not affect professional fireworks displays. Organizers of special events would still be able to apply for permits, but would need a Fireworks Supervisor’s Certificate, $5 million in liability insurance, and a safety plan in line with federal regulations.
The Squamish Nation Council has formally supported a fireworks ban, aligning it with their own bylaw adopted in 2024. School District 48 has also voiced support, citing concerns over safety at schools during Halloween.
If council gives the amendments first, second, and third readings on September 16, the bylaws will return for adoption at the October 7 regular business meeting.
Judi Rhodes says
It is about time that council took this step! I dread Halloween every year because of the constant noise pollution from fireworks starting and ending at this time of year well before and after Halloween night. There are beautiful drone light shows that light up the night sky without damaging wildlife, property, and noise pollution. Please give us our peace & quiet back!
Donny says
Please don’t forget the victims in the dog and cat world that spend nights shaking with fear which effect is also suffered by a number of our Vets
Donny says
Don’t forget the vets , the dogs and cats many of whom spend hours in fear from the explosions.
Pennie Boyd says
I support the fireworks ban. Please council adopt the ban and make many people and pets happy.
Carrie Freeman says
Hope the fireworks ban goes through, totally support
Firework ban in Squamish.
Won't be published says
With every passing day this town turns into more of a leftist shithole. Ban it all you feckless fucks, just don’t be surprised when the youth realize how you boomer losers and communists have stolen everything from them. Inevitability, they’ll burn this society to the ground.
Republic of Brackendale says
Typical DOS fun police! It’s so few days that we’re allowed to have fireworks anyway. Let people have their celebrations!
There’s 2 main arguments people make against fireworks.
1) Pets. As a pet owner I understand the complaints. My dog hates them too. But it’s just a couple days a year. Turn the TV up and snuggle in bed. Don’t ruin it for everyone else.
2) Out of control kids. Not all kids are out there breaking the law. Tighten up the requirements for permits and implement fines for those without permits. If there’s shit behaviour then fine the shit out of them. Let the rest of us law abiding citizens have a little fun.
A bylaw to ban legal items is ridiculous. If this goes through then they’d better make sure there’s a community organized fireworks display for every holiday of the year to make up for it.