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←Toronto City Council · 2021-07-14 · 2021.MM35.24

The filed record

Determining the feasibility of restricting the retail sale of consumer fireworks - by Councillor Frances Nunziata, seconded by Councillor Mark Grimes

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The decision

2021-07-14 · Toronto City Council · amended

As filed

City Council on July 14, 15 and 16, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards and the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, in consultation with relevant City divisions to report in the fourth quarter of 2021, to the General Government and Licensing Committee on the feasibility of restricting the retail sale of family fireworks to the public and restricting the use of family fireworks by the public.

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2. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards and the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, in consultation with the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to explore as part of the COVID-19 Unpermitted Fireworks Action Plan: a. a review and jurisdictional scan of vendor licensing fees, including options to adjust fee structures to help fund increased enforcement; b. creating stronger policies to revoke temporary vendor permits linked to illegal firework use; and c. monitoring and evaluating data on complaints including location and time of day, and implications for how enforcement resources are deployed, and report back to the General Government and Licencing Committee by the end of 2021.

The vote

Adopt Item as Amended · Carried, 23-2

For (23)Ana Bailão, Anthony Perruzza, Brad Bradford, Cynthia Lai, Frances Nunziata, Gary Crawford, Gord Perks, James Pasternak, Jaye Robinson, Jennifer McKelvie, Joe Cressy, John Filion, John Tory, Josh Matlow, Kristyn Wong-Tam, Mark Grimes, Michael Thompson, Mike Colle, Mike Layton, Paul Ainslie, Paula Fletcher, Shelley Carroll, Stephen Holyday
Against (2)Denzil Minnan-Wong, Michael Ford
Absent (1)Nick Mantas
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On the agenda

As the city filed it

Fireworks set off in urban areas have adverse effects on the livelihoods of local residents: 1) they cause excessive property damage, noise, and costs to the surrounding communities; 2) the misfiring, misuse, or malfunctioning of fireworks disproportionately affects children and youth; and 3) wild and domestic animals become disoriented by the loud noises and explosions, causing unnecessary confusion and anxiety. Celebrations with fireworks also impact both human health and the environment.

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Studies have shown that firework displays produce large amounts of particulate matter, contributing to pollution and poor air quality in adjacent areas. The exposure to particulate matter is correlated with exacerbating underlying health conditions and increased mortality risks. The City of Vancouver has taken steps to restrict the sale of consumer fireworks and explore measures to enforce compliance with the restriction. The City of Toronto could benefit from implementing measures that ensure the health and safety of local residents regarding fireworks.

Staff recommended

Councillor Frances Nunziata, seconded by Councillor Mark Grimes, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards and the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, in consultation with relevant City divisions to report in the fourth quarter of 2021, to the General Government and Licensing Committee on the feasibility of restricting the retail sale of family fireworks to the public and restricting the use of family fireworks by the public.

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