Canada Day and the use and abuse of fireworks is always an emotional and divisive issue in the Humber Bay Shores

and other lakefront communities.

Already residents and city officials are bracing up for the misuse of fireworks on Canada Day, on Thursday July 1.

Many residents complain that fireworks are being fired dangerously from the balconies of surrounding condos or are aimed at people and the loud sounds and bright lights are bad for their pets.

Councillor Mark Grimes is reminding residents that fireworks are now banned in Toronto parks and beaches.

“Fireworks are only allowed on Canada Day and Victoria Day without a permit on private property,” Grimes warned residents on an online post.

“Due to the increase of negligent use of fireworks that we’ve seen, I’ve worked to strengthen our fireworks bylaws,” the long-time councillor said.

His office requested a review which was completed in May.

“There is a pressing need to make further changes to strengthen the bylaw,” he said.

His office in June drafted a motion that was adopted by City Council that calls for a ban on the possession of fireworks in Toronto parks; to obtain funding for by-law officers to enforce fireworks regulations after midnight from July 1 to July 4, July 30 to August 2 and September 3 to 6.

City council is applying to the province to double fireworks-related fines and are installing No Fireworks signs in problematic Marie Curtis Park, Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Humber Bay Park West and East, and some other parks.

The city have also begun an information campaign, including transit shelter and electronic billboard ads, to educate the public on the rules of fireworks. Officials also plan to explore the feasibility of introducing City of Toronto fines under the noise by-law.

Residents are also urged to call 311 to report the use or abuse of fireworks in city parks and beaches.

Toronto Police officers said they will be out in full force at certain areas and communities where there are yearly incidents involving fireworks.