The City of Orillia is banning fireworks within city limits effective immediately.
Members of the public are now prohibited from setting off fireworks on any day, and organizations hoping to hold a fireworks display are required to apply for a special events permit from the city.
The bylaw, enacted by city council in a recent meeting, restricts setting off fireworks to “council-approved special events” only.
“As a council, we have heard from many members of our community about the challenges that are experienced with residential fireworks,” Orillia mayor Don McIsaac said in a press release.
McIsaac cited a number of reasons for why the city ultimately moved in this direction, including “excessive noise, smoke and debris, impacts to those with post-traumatic stress disorders or who are sensitive to noise, and the impacts to wildlife and pets.”
The town council started reviewing its firework regulations last summer after receiving complaints from residents.
Orillia city councillor Tim Lauer previously said that the original bylaw made noise complaints difficult to enforce since bylaw officers would first have to determine where the fireworks—which often only last for minutes—were coming from. He added that residents were more concerned about the impacts that fireworks were having on pets rather than on the residents themselves.
Firework displays approved by the city are only allowed to be set off at Couchiching Beach Park. As of now, the sole special event that has been approved is the Canada Day fireworks show, which has been approved annually on an ongoing basis.
The city is also implementing strict consequences for those who violate the bylaw. Unlawful discharge of fireworks could result in an inspection fee of $200 paid by the property owner and up to a $50,000 fine charged to the person found responsible for setting the fireworks off.
If the fireworks result in a fire, the property owner would also be held liable for service charges to the Orillia fire department.
“We hope the new bylaw will address concerns from our residents,” said McIsaac.
To apply for a permit, organizations can contact the City of Orillia’s Recreation Services at bookings@orillia.ca or 705-325-3506.
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