The Town of Newmarket is assuring residents it has the resources to address illegal fireworks use after complaints about rule-breakers who set them off around the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex in recent days.
Councillor Christina Bisanz raised the issue at today's council meeting, saying she heard from concerned residents. She asked about enforcement efforts ahead of the Canada Day long weekend.
Fireworks are not permitted for sale or use in Newmarket or Aurora, except during the Victoria Day and Canada Day long weekends, and are not to be used on public property.
“There continues to be a challenge with people lighting fireworks off in public park areas,” Bisanz said. “I’ve received several concerns just recently of fireworks that were set off in the Ray Twinney parking lot behind the arena, and unfortunately, very close to existing residents. They're very concerned about safety.”
Fireworks use outside of designated weekends has garnered concern in the past, with some calling for more action in a NewmarketToday poll last year, whether through fines or a total ban. A community Facebook post June 4 garnered 86 comments, with residents upset by fireworks and disturbed dogs.
Bisanz questioned if bylaw officers investigate such calls after hours and if some proactive surveillance would be possible.
“Just to make sure that people aren’t sort of abusing the fire laws, or fireworks bylaws, and protecting the residents who are fearful a fire might be created,” she said.
Town manager of regulatory services Flynn Scott said they do encourage residents to call the municipality for bylaw infractions, including after hours. He said there is more staff on hand to monitor for fireworks use around the holiday weekends, they investigate complaints made, and he can note the concern around Ray Twinney specifically.
Scott said bylaw officers are trained to assess complaints and call York Regional Police or Central York Fire Services if needed to assist.
“Our first approach is always having town officers to go out to educate and assess the situation from there,” Scott said.
Central York Fire Services reminded residents ahead of the May long weekend that Newmarket and Aurora do not permit fireworks in public spaces during allowed holidays, and fines start at $600 for improper use. The service also offered safety tips and asked fireworks users to be considerate of neighbours.
Bisanz said she appreciated bylaw officers going out to investigate complaints.
“Hopefully, they're able to catch some people in the act."
Residents can report fireworks and other bylaw infractions by contacting the town at 905-895-5193, pressing three for the after-hours line if needed.
