Quispamsis has appointed a seven-member committee to study the issue of consumer fireworks.
The decision follows growing calls for the Kennebecasis Valley community to ban their sale and use.
Concerned citizen Robert Hunt told council in August that people may not consider the negative impacts of fireworks.
“At its core, this issue comes down to weighing our desire to be entertained against the impact on the environment, wildlife, domestic animals, pets, and the well-being of combat veterans,” said Hunt.
However one Quispamsis retailer that sells consumer fireworks does not agree with the need to ban them.
Jean-Marc Poirier, the president of Great Canadian Dollar Store, said he believes more education is needed about the town’s existing bylaws.
“We feel that the current bylaws are reasonable if they are followed by the residents, however, it would appear there is a lack of awareness and education with some of our residents given some of the complaints raised,” said Poirier.
Currently, Quispamsis residents are able to shoot off fireworks year-round between dusk and 11 p.m. every night.
Poirier said they believe most firework users are responsible, adding the town will never be able to please everyone on this issue.
The president said he is also concerned about what could happen if council were to ban the sale of fireworks in the town.
“The sale of items such as fireworks attracts customers well beyond our town limits. This brings consumers into our community who also purchase from other local businesses,” said Poirier.
Hunt and Poirier will sit on the ad-hoc committee, along with Coun. Kerrie Luck, who put forward the motion to create the committee.
Luck said it would be difficult for council to make a decision on this without taking a closer look at it.
“I hear the concerns and I think that we can do better,” said Luck.
Also on the committee are Mayor Libby O’Hara, acting CAO Aaron Kennedy, and representatives from the police and fire departments.
Committee members will meet three times over the next six weeks to review the questions and concerns. They are expected to present recommendations to council in October.
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