Letter from Office of the Deputy Chief Constable regarding fireworks ban

December 11, 2020

Ms. Lavinia Rojas Via email

Ms. Rojas:

In response to your email of November 5th to Chief Manak, thank you for reaching out to the Victoria Police Department regarding your efforts to ban fireworks in British Columbia.

The municipalities within our service area have bylaws that prohibit the possession and use of fireworks without a permit. The introduction of these bylaws resulted in an improvement in the number of fireworks-related complaints received by police; however, we continue to receive complaints from the public. Between October 1 and November 5, 2020, we received at least 60 reports from the public that relate to the actual or suspected use of fireworks. In many of these cases, members of the community are concerned about the noise they create and others are concerned about dangerous use. In a few of the cases, fireworks have been confused for gunfire.

The Victoria Police Department is actively looking for ways to reduce the incidents of calls for service so that our officers can focus on the most serious public safety priorities. We support the exploration of legislative changes that result in improved community safety and well-being.

Thank you for your efforts on behalf of our communities.

Sincerely,

Colin Watson Deputy Chief of Administration