Newmarket finds no illegal fireworks over long weekend

Previous holidays have caused complaints about people setting off fireworks at illegal times

Newmarkettoday.ca
Aug. 5, 2021
Joseph Quigley

The skies were quiet over Newmarket during the last holiday weekend, as the town's bylaw department did not find anyone illegally discharging fireworks.

After multiple reports of fireworks outside of legal hours over the Victoria Day and Canada Day weekends this year, the town said residents followed the rules for the Aug. 2 Civic Holiday. The municipality, which does not allow fireworks during the August long weekend, said the bylaw department received and responded to only had one complaint call. Officers found no one there discharging fireworks.

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor spoke positively about the news.

“I was very pleased to see the community responding to our town messaging by adhering to the bylaw prohibiting fireworks this past weekend,” Taylor said.

Newmarket's fireworks bylaw disallows them except for three-day periods over the Canada Day and Victoria Day holidays. The town reminded residents about the fireworks ban last week, with fines starting at $600.

Fireworks have attracted recent community complaints, with people upset about the disruptions stretching out for multiple days. Concerns include distressing pets and wildlife, or individuals with mental health conditions like PTSD.

A NewmarketToday poll found a majority of respondents wanted either more enforcement on fireworks, or an outright ban.

Taylor said residents should continue to follow the rules when it comes to fireworks.

“We encourage residents to only use fireworks in full accordance with the times, days and locations allowed,” he said.