Since 2007, there has been a fireworks ban in the City of Nanaimo. You can apply for a special permit, but so far nobody has. (Pexels)

By Dan Marshall

No Halloween Boom

Fireworks continue to cause issues for Nanaimo RCMP, despite long-time ban

Oct 30, 2019 | 7:52 AM

NANAIMO — Halloween fun will not include any fireworks in the Harbour City without a special permit.

A prohibition has been in place since 2007 and anyone wanting to light off fireworks within city limits can apply to Nanaimo Fire Rescue.

Captain Ennis Monds confirmed that as of Oct. 29 nobody had sought out a permit for any of the days around Halloween.

The City of Parksville has a similar permit structure to Nanaimo, while fireworks are permitted without restriction in the Regional District.

Every year police deal with people who purchase fireworks or firecrackers outside the city limits, and then bring them back in to town.

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RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien admitted despite the ban, fireworks are still an issue.

“If you’re simply in possession of fireworks it could be a $150 fine. We can also seize without charge, it really depends on the officer involved.”

According to O’Brien, the implementation of the ban initially lowered the number of incidents RCMP had to deal with, however they’ve seen an increase in recent years.

“It’s not as bad as it was before the bylaw but we still have to deal with it a couple of days before and after Halloween.”

O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW he felt the ban has been effective but police need to be consistent with their approach, maintain a physical presence, and continue to be proactive on the streets.

Police liaison officers have been out already talking to school kids about the dangers of fireworks.

O’Brien said they target all elementary schools in Nanaimo every year.

“You would think because fireworks are prohibited in the city there wouldn’t be any, but that’s not the reality.”

On a typical Halloween, police deal with many fireworks-related incidents ranging from injuries, pets getting scared and wandering off, or damage to vehicles and property.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77