Fireworks
Photograph by: submitted , for the NOW
Wondering whether it's legal to set off fireworks in your neighbourhood on Halloween? The answer is, it depends which city you live in.
Port Moody is the lone municipality in the Tri-Cities where a fireworks permit isn't required to use fireworks on Halloween night.
According to city regulations, fireworks can be set off on Oct. 31 on the lot of a private dwelling, but only with the knowledge and consent of the occupant.
Public fireworks displays are also permitted, though only after those hosting them receive written permission from the fire chief.
Permits are not required to buy fireworks in Port Moody, but are required to sell them or for a public display. Firecrackers and "nuisance fireworks," such as Roman candles and bottle rockets, are not permitted.
More information about Port Moody's fireworks regulations is available by calling the fire department's non-emergency line at 604-469-7795.
Port Coquitlam residents planning a "low hazards fireworks display" are only allowed to do so if they buy a fireworks event permit for $20 and follow the city's fireworks bylaw.
That bylaw stipulates the permit is only valid until 11: 30 p.m. on Halloween, and those handling fireworks must be over 18.
Fireworks can only be set off on private property in PoCo with the owner's consent, or at a public event with written permission from the fire chief.
Roman candles, bottle rockets, screechers and other types of fireworks are banned in PoCo, as is the sale of fireworks within the city.
The Kwikwetlem First Nation, which sells fireworks from its PoCo reserve, is exempt from the city bylaw since reserves are federal land.
Fireworks event permit applications for other areas of PoCo must be made in person at the tax office at City Hall, weekdays between 8: 30 a.m. and 4: 30 p.m. More information is available by calling 604-927-5466.
Coquitlam, meanwhile, bans both the purchase and sale of fireworks within city limits.
Only those with a fireworks permit, which is available for about $50, are allowed to set off fireworks within the city. For information about obtaining a permit, call 604927-6400.
