Fireworks will be lighting up the night sky on October 31 and while the majority of them will be set off safely, concern over the unsafe use of fireworks has the Regional District of Nanaimo looking into a ban on the sale of them in its electoral district.
At the regular board meeting October 25, Area A Director Joe Burnett said he has been getting complaints about the sale of fireworks from his constituents in South Wellington, Cassidy and Cedar and suggested the board investigate how they can put a stop to the sale of them in these parts.
Marc Lefebvre, the director from the City of Parksville, said there is a ban on the sale and use of fireworks in Parksville.
Board Chairman Joe Stanhope said he too has received complaints from concerned citizens but unfortunately the RDN doesn’t have the same authority that municipalities have in banning the sale.
The board voted to have staff consult with their lawyers to see if they have some authority over the sale of fireworks in parts of the RDN.
Stanhope said in 1995 the board established a nuisance service by-law and it covers all areas except for Area F which includes Coombs, Hilliers and Errington.
He said because these areas are excluded there are no rules banning the sale of fireworks in Area F, it really boils down to a safety issue.
“We need to look into it. Every year kids are hurt from these explosive devices,” he said.