Woodstock Approves New Consumer Fireworks Bylaw

Friday, 11 August 2023 06:16

You won't be able to purchase or set off your own fireworks in Woodstock as of January 1st, 2024.

WOODSTOCK - A hot topic in the City of Woodstock now has an answer.

At the latest City Council meeting (Thursday, August 10th), members of council voted in favour of approving the consumer fireworks ban.

During the meeting, Council heard from Aleem Kanji, who was a delegation to speak on why the bylaw should not be passed. He stated that in his opinion if the bylaw was put in place, it might force residents of the Friendly City to other resources in order to get fireworks, for example, other cities or online.

Council also heard from Erica Hogan, who is the owner of Phatboy Fireworks in Woodstock. Hogan said that over the last 10 years that she has owned the business education and safety around fireworks has been first and foremost. She adds, that when she has sold to customers, their intention is not to upset neighbours, but to celebrate different festivities.

Hogan went on to say she has gotten customers from outside of the City and put forward the point that those customers not only put money into the local economy through her business but would also make it a day trip and shop at other businesses within Woodstock.

Mayor, Jerry Acchione says that things will be different for certain holidays next year.

"Quite simply as of January 1st, 2024, no personal use, or consumer-grade fireworks will be able to be set off in the City of Woodstock, sold or set off."

He adds that it was a long debate at the meeting, but in the end, most of council thought it was a good idea.

"I voted against this. I thought there might be an opportunity to look at permit, or something, a middle ground that would still give the control that was being looked for."

Alongside Mayor Acchione, Councilor Liz Wismer-Van Meer was against the ban, stating she had residents come to her with valid arguments as to why the ban would be put in place.

When it came time for the vote, the bylaw was passed with a count of 5-2.