Vancouver authorities say they were too busy to enforce new fireworks ban on Halloween
Vancouver police and firefighters admit Halloween is often the busiest night of the year, and claim they just don’t have the resources to enforce the city’s new fireworks bylaw.
The first Halloween under a ban was a noisy and restless night for many Vancouverites, but there is little evidence anyone was fined despite widespread use of pyrotechnics.
“We unfortunately don’t have the luxury of being able to follow up on the dozens, if not hundreds, of fireworks complaints that people have,” said Vancouver Police Sgt. Steve Addison.
VPD officers, as well as fire inspectors, have the authority to fine the public for misuse or illegal use of fireworks. But on a busy night, other matters usually take priority.
“We would have to catch someone in the act,” said Vancouver assistant fire chief Dave Meers. “If people are uncooperative, firefighters and fire inspectors don’t have the ability to arrest someone, so we would have to call VPD for backup.”
Vancouver Coun. Pet Fry who introduced the motion to ban fireworks, acknowledged it was a noisy night, but called the first year a success overall. The lead-up to Halloween was much quieter and damage around the city was down significantly.
Vancouver firefighters estimate fireworks caused $408,000 dollars in damage in 2020, and only $5,500 on Sunday night.
“I think it would be difficult to enforce. It would have to be a complaints based thing and I’m not even sure that’s where we’d want to go,” said Fry. “I’m hoping the real outcome is the decrease in the real nuisance effects on neighbours.”
The city of Surrey has similar bylaws, and confirmed it issued six tickets.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Manitoba man sentenced to house arrest for keeping fishing tournament funds meant for Children's Hospital Foundation
A Manitoba man who pleaded guilty to keeping the funds raised from an ice-fishing fundraiser for the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has been handed a sentence of 18 months house arrest.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.