Surrey is looking to curb the damage caused by seasonal fireworks by bringing in fines of $5,000 to $50,000 to stop fireworks violations ahead of Halloween and Diwali. During the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Surrey City Council voted to approve significant increases to fines related to the sale and use of fireworks ahead of Halloween and Diwali celebrations. "The increase in fines is in response to the significant surge in complaints related to fireworks leading up to Halloween and Diwali," said Mayor Brenda Locke. "The illegal use of fireworks poses severe risks, including potential injuries, property damage, and distress to animals. Council has taken this step to significantly increase fines in order to deter the illegal use of fireworks and to ensure the safety of our residents.”

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY – Surrey is looking to curb the damage caused by seasonal fireworks by bringing in fines of $5,000 to $50,000 to stop fireworks violations ahead of Halloween and Diwali.

During the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Surrey City Council voted to approve significant increases to fines related to the sale and use of fireworks ahead of Halloween and Diwali celebrations.

"The increase in fines is in response to the significant surge in complaints related to fireworks leading up to Halloween and Diwali," said Mayor Brenda Locke. "The illegal use of fireworks poses severe risks, including potential injuries, property damage, and distress to animals. Council has taken this step to significantly increase fines in order to deter the illegal use of fireworks and to ensure the safety of our residents.”

In Surrey, the discharge of fireworks require federal certification and permits from the Surrey Fire Service.

“The increased penalties will help prevent reckless actions and encourage everyone to follow the law,” said Joey Jatinder Singh Brar, General Manager, Corporate Services. “These changes also give bylaw officers and police the tools they need to better manage firework risks. We are reminding all residents that only those with the right permits should use fireworks, and those who break the rules will face significant fines."

Under the current regulations, fines for fireworks violations have been relatively low, with maximums reaching $500. To address this, the City is proposing substantial amendments to the Fireworks Bylaw, Bylaw Enforcement Notice (BEN) Bylaw, and Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) Bylaw. Key changes include:

•         Increasing the minimum penalty for fireworks violations from $100 to $400 and the maximum penalty from $5,000 to $50,000.
•         Raising the maximum MTI fine for violations of the Fireworks Bylaw to $1,000, which will facilitate more rigorous enforcement.
•         Increased penalties under the BEN Bylaw to ensure better compliance and community safety.