Waterloo Regional Police said an officer was in the area of King Street North and Spring Street around 12:30 a.m. when he saw the man. “He was holding the fireworks in his hand and then setting them off at businesses and pedestrians, so it could have been very dangerous for everyone involved,” said Const. Melissa Quarrie, with the Waterloo Regional Police Service, said. He added that at least one of the fireworks also hit a police cruiser. The man has been charged with mischief under $5,000, common nuisance – endangering life, criminal negligence and dereliction of duty related to explosives. “We often see on long weekends we have an increase in bylaw calls involving noise complaints as well as fireworks complaints, but it’s not very common to see fireworks directed at people,” said Const. Quarry. James McDonald, a bartender at Ethel’s Lounge, said he was working Friday night when he saw several fireworks going off in the street shortly after midnight. “We saw a large group moving into King [Street] and then all of a sudden just explosions,” McDonald told CTV News. He was concerned for the safety of patio patrons as multiple fireworks were launched from the street. “They fly across the street, over our building, and it was a little bit too much,” McDonald said. “Obviously they were having fun, but there are other places to do that where you won’t necessarily be risking people’s safety.” According to the City of Waterloo, fireworks are only allowed on private property between dusk and 11pm during certain holidays. These include Victoria Day, Canada Day, New Year’s Eve and Diwali, as well as the days immediately before and after the holidays. “They need to be removed in a safe manner,” said Nicole Papka, the director of municipal law enforcement for the City of Waterloo. “You’re not allowed to do it on a street or on public property.” According to Papkas, there is a permitting process that must be followed if fireworks displays are to be held on public property. “Fireworks have been incredibly divisive in the community, I think they’re very disruptive to a lot of people and pets. So we’re trying to keep that enjoyment and balance,” Papka said.
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS
The Government of Canada has listed important safety tips on its website for the use of fireworks:
Place fireworks that do not have a base on earth or sand (unless the label indicates otherwise) Place the fireworks at a 10-degree angle, facing away from people Wait 30 minutes before approaching any fireworks that do not go off Never try to relight or make a firework that won’t go out Choose a place outside to remove them that is clear of obstructions Never light or hold a firework in your hand (unless the label says they are designed to be hand held) Keep fireworks in a cool, dry and ventilated place Keep fireworks away from children Read the instructions on fireworks before using them Keep water nearby to soak used fireworks, then wait 30 minutes before tossing them in the trash Children under 18 should not use fireworks unless supervised by an adult Safety glasses are recommended Always light the fuse on its end Do not use fireworks in windy conditions
The City of Kitchener is also asking residents not to set off fireworks on roads, highways, woods, public trails or parks. They can be held in city parks as long as the organizers have permission.
