Halloween fireworks were on full display in Vancouver before November 1 ban (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

Nov 2 2020, 2:46 am

The Halloween night sky lit up last night, as it was the last opportunity for Vancouver residents to legally purchase and make use of retail fireworks before they were officially banned today.Ā 

The ban now prohibits the commercial sale and use of the product. Vancouver City CouncilĀ approved a motion last November to ban the sale of fireworks, which will be implemented through a two-pronged approach.

The motion was introduced by Councillor Pete Fry, who said that the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) faces escalating calls for fireworks-related issues in the days leading up to Halloween. He also noted that the cost of damages from consumer fireworks has averaged at $379,000 over the past 12 years.

Many Vancouverites took to social media to share photos, videos, and their opinions about the final night of the long-time Vancouver tradition.

The second and final step of the fireworks ban will take place after Halloween. The City of Vancouver will eliminate the permit system and process that allows for consumer-grade fireworks to be purchased by the public.

The ban wonā€™t apply to large-scale city events or holidays that have certified fireworks technicians, such as New Yearā€™s Eve, Canada Day, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and the Celebration of Lights.

The proposed by-law amendments would only apply to the sale of fireworks in Vancouver; however, it canā€™t be enforced in other municipalities.

Vancouver is one of the remaining cities in the region that, prior to the ban, allowed for the sale and use of consumer fireworks. North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Richmond, and Surrey are just a few of the cities that have banned fireworks, although they still get their fair share of consumer use.

With files from Vincent Plana.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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