Published Apr 20, 2025 • Last updated 20 hours ago • 3 minute readCouncillors in the West Hants Regional Municipality are mulling over the idea of regulating fireworks – a topic that has been raised several times over the last decade. Pictured are fireworks lighting up the night sky over Annapolis Royal as part of the town’s 2023 Natal Day celebrations. Photo by Jason MalloyA Falmouth resident is calling on West Hants council to consider implementing regulations when it comes to backyard fireworks displays.Pat Taylor is the latest resident to write council requesting action on the topic.In his letter, Taylor notes a large firework display went off on New Year’s Eve around 9 p.m. in the vicinity of Falmouth Dyke Road.“They were the low explosive type, thus when they exploded, they were not very much above my house on Falmouth Back Road and other houses in that area,” Taylor wrote.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“A malfunction could have them land on one of the houses. The noise from fireworks does cause issues with animals and people,” he continued, noting animals can become spooked and injure themselves as they attempt to escape their enclosures.Recommended from Editorial Habitant N.S. horse owner heartbroken over New Year’s Eve fireworks incident PAM FRAMPTON: Ditch the fireworks – plenty of alternatives available that won’t scare people, pets ‘It’s preventable’: Beloved Tatamagouche donkey dies due to fireworks There’s been multiple reports of animals fleeing from fireworks over the years.After a loud and lengthy fireworks display celebrating Jan. 1 this year, a donkey in Tatamagouche had to be euthanized after it broke free and became paralyzed. In 2022, a 16-year-old champion Canadian sport horse, Navar, had to be euthanized when it broke its leg after fleeing from fireworks in Habitant, Kings County. Both incidents resulted in renewed calls for limiting or restricting personal fireworks across the province.Article content“I would suggest that it be necessary to have a permit considering the following: safe site for setting off the display; a person listed who is qualified to safely handle the explosive; notification of residents within a certain distance – (I) suggest 500 metres, stating time and location, duration,” Taylor wrote.***COUNCIL WEIGHS INCoun. John Smith, who represents Taylor’s district, said they spoke about the issue and he’s wondering who is responsible for regulating fireworks. Smith said he may bring a recommendation back at a future meeting to see if West Hants can review the matter.Coun. Jim Ivey said this isn’t the first time the idea of regulating fireworks has been brought up at municipal council. He said there is a peace and good order bylaw that is currently being reviewed by staff and it may address the fireworks issue.Ivey said most people should expect fireworks on specific holidays, like Canada Day and New Year’s Eve. It’s when they’re not expected that it can be a cause of concern and result in animals getting hurt.Article content“The big part of it is when they’re going off randomly at a time of the year when they’re not expected,” he said, noting he’d support reviewing this topic again in the future.Coun. Kayla Leary Pinch agreed it might be a good idea to require residents to notify their neighbours prior to having fireworks displays. For the most part, that occurs in her district of Vaughan-Upper Falmouth.“I do know out in our district, there are a fair amount of fireworks at this particular time of year but residents are relatively diligent at notifying others that those are going to be occurring,” she said, suggesting municipal staff could issue reminders to residents via social media to expect fireworks whenever a holiday is approaching.“I know that there are people on both sides of that coin, those who really appreciate the fireworks displays and those who don’t appreciate them at all. So it’s a tricky situation,” she said.Coun Scott McLean said Taylor used to reside in his district. He said he’s aware of how fireworks can negatively impact pets and people.“Family pets have taken off and not come back; cattle and horses running through fences, and military veterans, it triggers PTSD. I’ve heard that numerous times and I never even thought of that. So it is an issue,” said McLean, who also recommended council revisit the issue in the future.No decisions were made relating to possible regulations on fireworks.Article content
Falmouth resident seeking backyard fireworks restrictions for West Hants
