Outstanding Directives on the Public Use and Retail Sale of Consumer Fireworks - Update

Toronto Fire Services (TFS) submitted requests to the Province of Ontario in both August 2022 and September 2023 to implement necessary changes to the Ontario Fire Code to effectively regulate consumer fireworks, thereby enhancing public safety and enabling a more effective enforcement framework in the province. TFS also requested the Province to implement a centralized user education training program to increase safe and compliant use of consumer fireworks. As of the date of this report, the Province has not responded to these requests; staff will continue to monitor for a response. The feasibility of modifications to the existing Designated Dates is premature at this point, as this determination by staff was directed to be informed by the outcome of the City's request to the Province of Ontario for a provincial framework concerning consumer fireworks regulation. As the Province has not responded to these requests, staff are not recommending an expansion of dates at this time. This report outlines factors for consideration should Council decide to modify the allocation of Designated Dates while the request to the Province of Ontario to make amendments to the Ontario Fire Code is pending. Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) consulted with permanent vendors on the feasibility of restricting the sale of consumer fireworks year-round. Staff are not recommending a restriction on the sale of consumer fireworks year-round and instead recommend that the City continue to work with licensed vendors to enhance public education, supporting safe and compliant use of consumer fireworks.