The city of Owen Sound is updating its burn and fireworks by-laws.
The city says the updates seek to improve enforcement and safety, while making sure they meet the needs and concerns of residents and business owners, and follow after receiving reports of complaints and incidents.
The updates to the burn by-law include a name change to reflect open-air fires, updating the definitions of various dwelling units, owner, occupant and townhouse to allow enforcement agents to fine individuals, and placing restrictions on flying lanterns in the city and recreational fires at townhouses and multiple dwelling unit apartments.
The update also added the term outdoor gas fireplaces to the scope, and a table to reflect short-form wording for set fines.
Campfires in city-run campgrounds are exempt.
The fireworks by-law updates included adding definitions of owner and occupant to allow enforcement agents to fine individuals, and increasing setbacks to prohibit the use of fireworks within 100 meters of nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, or where explosives, gasoline, or other highly flammable substances are commercially produced, stored or sold.
The update also includes permitting the use of fireworks the day when Diwali is celebrated, adding insurance requirements for high-hazard fireworks, including a table to reflect short-form wording for set fines, and updating permit forms for both low-hazard and high-hazard fireworks.
The city says fires and fireworks are not allowed on municipal property without approval and no burning or use of fireworks is permitted in the no burn district in the city core.
Fire Chief Phil Eagleson says, “the revisions to the open-air fire and fireworks by-laws allow for more options for enforcement, but still ensures that recreational fires and fireworks can be used safely in the city.”