The Town of Qualicum Beach will look at updating its fireworks bylaw next year, which bans the use and sale within Town limits, except for a few days around Halloween. (Image Credit: Pixabay)

By Jordan Davidson

ongoing talks

Qualicum Beach debating full firework ban

Jan 25, 2026 | 5:56 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — The Town is considering whether to fully ban the sale and use of fireworks within the community, closing the small window of approved use during Halloween.

During the Wednesday, Jan 21, regular council meeting, Qualicum Beach councillors discussed forming a new bylaw banning the sale and use of fireworks on public and private property, with the current bylaw put in place in 2007.

Coun. Anne Skipsey said she thinks it’s time to see what can be done to restrict their use.

“I think because of the negative impacts fireworks have on some people and pets and wildlife and the environment, I think it’s time to really crack down on it…I do hear fireworks in my neighbourhood from time to time around the 4th of July, which is probably one of the worst times to be lighting off fireworks.”

Currently, Qualicum Beach residents are only allowed to discharge fireworks in town limits on Halloween, with an exception to the bylaw allowing for the sale and purchase of fireworks for adults between Oct. 24 and Oct. 31.

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A permit is required from the fire chief. The Town received two requests for fireworks permits last year, with only one approved for the Family Day weekend, an average amount of requests per year.

Fireworks were once part of the Town’s Halloween events, but they’re no longer permitted because they’re too close to a nearby medical facility to allow for fireworks or large bonfires.

They’re also a big part of their annual Festival of Lights along the waterfront during the Family Day weekend in May, with the event not held on Town property and the fireworks launched from a barge in the water.

Mayor Teunis Westbroek said it can be difficult to enforce these bylaws when fireworks sales are permitted in surrounding municipalities.

“People just come into town, unaware of whatever bylaw we have, and just fire them off down by the beach, I’ve seen them down there, or wherever else they feel they can shoot them off….it’s very hard to catch them once they do their thing, fire it off and then leave.”

He said perhaps they can reach out to the Regional District of Nanaimo or other nearby jurisdictions which do allow the sale of fireworks, to make it clear to customers where they can legally light them off.

In the end, council voted to defer the item to a strategic planning commission meeting next year for further discussion.

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