Fireworks Discussion Reaches Stalemate In Quispamsis

Discussions about personal fireworks in Quispamsis hit a stalemate at council this week.

The issue has been a hot topic lately after a house was struck by a firework rocket over Christmas.

It prompted council to ask for a staff report looking at best practices for regulating fireworks.

But despite being presented with three suggested options on Tuesday night, council could not reach a consensus on what should be done.

One of the suggestions from town staff was limiting consumer fireworks to Friday and Saturday evenings from May through September, along with Canada Day, New Brunswick Day and New Year’s Eve, and implementing higher fines for violations.

Coun. Kirk Miller put forward a modified motion to allow fireworks on five holidays — Victoria Day, Canada Day, New Brunswick Day, Labour Day and New Year’s Eve — and to allow residents to apply for permits for special occasions.

However, that motion was defeated by a 4-3 vote, with councillors Noah Donovan, Kerrie Luck, Mike Biggar, and Deputy Mayor Mary Schryer voting against it.

Schryer said Miller’s proposal would lead to a “convoluted” bylaw that is not simple to follow.

“Where do you draw the line and when you start putting certain days that you can only do this then, and you can only do it at this time,” said Schryer.

Coun. Noah Donovan said he felt the proposed motion went too far in terms of limiting when fireworks can be detonated.

Currently, Quispamsis residents are able to shoot off fireworks year-round between dusk and 11 p.m. every night.

“It just seems like it’s not enough for me,” said Donovan, referring to the five holidays. “It seems like we’re limiting people and I don’t like that direction.”

Both Donovan and Schryer agreed that more education surrounding fireworks and the town’s bylaws are needed.

Coun. Kerrie Luck said any potential bylaw changes that council considers should not be rushed.

“I think changing a bylaw is not a task that we should take lightly and I think we need to give this topic the due diligence it deserves to ensure we do create a best version of a bylaw that’s going to find that middle ground in our community that we need,” said Luck.

Mayor Libby O’Hara eventually halted the discussion, which lasted for more than 50 minutes, and moved to appoint a council committee to look at the issue further.