Iqaluit City Council studies use of fireworks, ponders bylaw

Several complaints about fireworks sparked discussion over a new bylaw proposed by city councilors in Iqaluit at their May 8 meeting.

Councillors said they want an investigation of fireworks use, because of complaints from residents about the times and locations of loud, bright fireworks displays.

Mayor Madeleine Redfern wants to see a new bylaw that would regulate the use of fireworks, citing nuisance and safety concerns.

There is currently no bylaw enforcing fireworks in the city of Iqaluit.

Other city councillors said they are concerned about the loud bangs fireworks produce, saying some people with weak hearts might even suffer heart attacks due to the noise.

The Iqaluit fire department is reviewing the fireworks issue in the city, said Iqaluit Fire Chief Blaine Wiggins.

“The issue related to fireworks is two part, sales and use,” said Wiggins. “I have requested a meeting with the fire marshall to review the fireworks and other issues, as the territorial legislation will have an important linkage to fire works.”

“It is an emerging public safety issue,” he said.

But no statistics on fireworks complaints are recorded, because there has been no bylaw to enforce them.

“We do not have statistics related to a fireworks investigation or complaints because the lack of a bylaw or territorial legislation that would allow the city authority to formally investigate,” Wiggins said.

“The [fire department] has not had any fires related to fire work use hence we have not had any formal fire investigations.”