There were many complaints from residents of Humber Bay Shores and other areas of South Etobicoke last year due to noisy fireworks being set alit at all time of the night.

Now, a city report into the use of fireworks agree there was  a ‘noticeable increase’ in the unpermitted use of fireworks and emergency incidents from fireworks since more people are at home due to COVID.

A staff review of fireworks was undertaken earlier this year and the results was released on April 19. It found what we all suspected, people have time on their hands.

“Staff believe this is due to factors related to the pandemic, including more residents staying home in the city, cancellation of other events and City and community fireworks display,” according to the report that was presented to an Economic and Community Development Committee.

“Staff anticipate similar conditions during the 2021 warm-weather season.”

They said it also had to do with the “redeployment of enforcement resources to enforce public health measures and provincial emergency orders.”

The report found a large number people in a survey were concerned about fireworks noise, and impacts of fireworks use on pets, wildlife, the environment and those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Many of those who took part in a survey supported enhanced education and enforcement to ensure individuals follow existing regulations.

An action plan has been created to support compliant fireworks use and sale and reduce nuisance impacts of unpermitted fireworks use. It will include public education and outreach initiatives, including data-driven enforcement in some areas.

City staff will review current fireworks-related set fines and apply to the Province of Ontario to increase fine amounts, as needed.

“Incidents and service requests related to fireworks appear localized in a small number of wards bordering Lake Ontario,” according to the report, which was prepared by Municipal Licensing and Standards Committee (MLS) and Toronto Fire Service (TFS). “Based on these findings, staff do not recommend bylaw changes at this time.”

Both groups will continue to monitor fireworks incidents and complaints during the warm-weather season and the COVID-19 recovery period.

A review of the incident reports found that the vast majority of the calls were for unpermitted discharge in parks, open spaces, or schools, indicating that further education around where and how fireworks can be discharged on the designated dates is needed.

The report stems from an October 2020 City Council directive, requesting MLS and Toronto Fire undertake a review of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 466, Fireworks.

Fireworks on private property may only be used without a permit on Victoria Day and Canada Day. To use fireworks on private property any other day of the year, residents must have a permit from TFS. Discharging or igniting fireworks in a city park by members of the public is also prohibited. The sale of fireworks in Toronto requires a vendor permit issued by MLS.