Huntsville Fireworks Bylaw under consideration for change

Drone or laser shows were suggested as an alternative

Huntsville General Committee agreed to investigate the Fireworks Bylaw, in the June 25, 2025, meeting.

A petition brought forward by resident, Louise Hayes, expressed concerns about the impact of fireworks to the environment, wildlife, domestic animals and people.

Hayes said fireworks terrified her dog into convulsions resulting in medication and adult bats around her home to leave resulting in dead pups, which prompted her to learn more about the issue.

She cited a letter by Aspden Valley Wildlife Centre, indicating, “Fireworks kill, and they destroy. It kills baby animals through desertion and starvation as the parents panic due to the loud sounds. They leave their lairs and nests and cannot find their way back. Their babies die. Many animals run into traffic, and they die… Birds fly into windows and are killed and the young perish.”

Other concerns included toxic matter from fireworks getting into soil and waterways. Hayes said that according to her research, “Some cause birth defects.”

Hayes added, “This is where we all swim and play and boat, and some of us even drink the water.”

She also expressed concerns about forest fires, indicating that we’re “lucky,” however, “our luck could run out.”

The noise is another issue that can be triggering to people with PTSD, or affect the elderly, sick, or babies, said Hayes.

She also indicated that many communities have banned fireworks because of the potential dangers and injuries and suggested that the Committee base its decision on “what’s best for the community” and one “that prides itself on waterways and wildlife.”

She suggested alternatives such as laser or drone shows as “spectacular” options that larger venues “could be known for.”

Resident and Law Enforcement Officer, Steve Thomas, expressed concerns about the Town’s 5-year-old fireworks by-law. He said, “As a police officer there’s nothing I can do for your community should a citizen call. You’ve left it all to your by-law people to deal with. Your by-law people aren’t out there at 3 in the morning. There’s nothing in here for law enforcement. There’s nothing here for me to seize the fireworks that they have in this community and shouldn’t be using.” He said all he can do is refer people to Council.

He added, “If you’re fluent with the media, you watch what’s going on in the real world, our young have now decided to use fireworks as a form of solving a dispute.”

He told Committee members to imagine someone directing a firework right at them, potentially causing first, second, or third-degree burns, missing fingers “or loss of life.” He said, “I’ve experienced it in the bigger cities and now they’re turning it on law enforcement and by-law people as a form of threat.”

He suggested they consider discussing the by-law with members of their policing association, and said “the easiest way is to just ban it altogether.”

Mayor, Nancy Alcock, indicated that she’s on the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Police Services Board and can include the by-law on the agenda for consideration.

Committee also discussed matters such as the cost of alternative options, wildland fires, complaints, the government fireworks grant, and private versus complete bans.

Councillor, Helena Renwick, indicated that the alternatives would be worth considering. She said, “We are at the cusp of changing something that in 5 years people will say, ‘Why didn’t we do this sooner?’ like the smoking prohibition in restaurants and now people wouldn’t think twice about it.”

Councillor, Monty Clouthier, said, “It’s actually bigger than what people really know on both sides, for the enjoyment of it and also for the wildlife.”

He added that he saw a drone show and “it’s something I think in the future that’s where we’re headed. It was unbelievable what they did.” He suggested that they can investigate the by-law “and be proactive and see what we can do moving forward.”

Committee agreed to investigate the matter further, including looking at current legislation and consider public feedback.