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When and where can you use Halloween fireworks in the Tri-Cities

Tri-City residents should familiarize themselves with city bylaws before buying or lighting any fireworks this Halloween.
Fireworks
Tri-City residents should familiarize themselves with city bylaws before buying or lighting any fireworks this Halloween.

Tri-City residents should familiarize themselves with city bylaws before buying or lighting any fireworks this Halloween.

The rules vary significantly depending on where a person lives and most people will require a permit if they are hoping to light up the skies Monday evening.

In Coquitlam, the selling of fireworks in the municipality is strictly prohibited but certain fireworks are allowed to be set off — but only with a city permit.

To obtain a $50 permit, a resident must provide their name, proof of age, an address and the date, time and duration of the display. An applicant also requires a site plan and must have a 30 m by 30 m clearance for aerial fireworks and 20 m by 20 m clearance for ground effects.

Permits are also required to use fireworks in Port Coquitlam. They cost $30 and are only valid on Oct. 31 until 11:30 p.m. Anyone contravening the regulations could face a fine of up to $750. 

A person lighting off fireworks must be at least 18 and they can only be discharged on private property with the consent of the owner or at a public event with written permission from the fire chief, according to a city press release.

Randy Minaker, PoCo’s deputy fire chief, told The Tri-City News that both the police and fire officials are aware of who has permits and who does not.

“It is easy for the RCMP to determine who is in compliance,” he said. “Members all have a list of permits and know who are able to light and ignite fireworks.”

Port Moody is more lax with its fireworks regulations. The sale of fireworks still allowed in the municipality, provided stores cease operations on Oct. 30 at 9 p.m., and fireworks can only be discharged on Oct. 31. No permit is required in Port Moody.

 

 

FIREWORKS HANDLING TIPS

• Only adults should discharge fireworks.

• Choose a safe area to discharge fireworks — a bare area of ground away from buildings, overhead structures, trees, vehicles, dry grass and other flammable objects.

• Have a large bucket of water, sand or a garden hose ready.

• Make sure spectators watch from a safe distance.

• Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars or buildings.

• Never hold fireworks in your hand while lighting them.

• Dispose of spent fireworks in a container of water.

– source: PoCo Fire and Emergency Services

 

 

ORANGE PUMPKINS, GREEN DISPOSAL

Dump your orange pumpkins in the green bin right after Halloween.

That’s the message from the city of Port Coquitlam this week as it not only tries to steer food waste out of the landfill but also stops bears from roaming neighbourhoods.

City staff want residents and business owners who won’t eat or compost pumpkins themselves to dispose of their jack-o’-lanterns in the organics cart along with other food scraps and yard trimmings.

The vegetables will shipped off to a regional composting centre, where they’re turned into topsoil sold to farmers and gardeners. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/greencart for more information.

gmckenna@tricitynews.com

@gmckennaTC