By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle

Osoyoos has closed a loophole that exempted Canada Day fireworks from requiring a permit,  bringing the town in line with best practices under Industry Canada and enhancing the safety of the annual display.

The annual Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta, which encompasses the July 1 Canada Day celebrations, features among the largest fireworks displays in the country and drew as many as 28,000 people to Osoyoos on July 1, 2022, according to estimates cited by Osoyoos Fire Chief Corey Kortmeyer.

Being exempt from the requirement of a permit meant no formal safety plans were detailed to first responders, creating a potentially dangerous situation.

With a growing crowd every year, safety concerns have been expressed citing reports of boats getting too close to the firework ignition platform. In one unverified case cited on social media, fireworks were said to have ricocheted off of the hull of a spectator boat.

In his presentation to town council, Kortmeyer said that Canada Day fireworks are currently exempt from permitting.

“The changes ensure safety measures outlined in the Explosives Act and Regulations are being met regardless if it is a Town of Osoyoos sanctioned event or not.”

As it is currently written the Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 1277 Part 7 “Explosives and Fireworks” states that:  “The blasting or discharge of fireworks for the Canada Day (July 1) celebrations sanctioned by the Town will be exempt from the requirements of sections 7.1 through 7.7.”

The proposed change, approved by council on Feb. 14, updates the bylaw to remove all exemptions from the bylaw.

“All displays in the Town of Osoyoos require a special permit regardless of a Town sanctioned fireworks display. These changes no longer exempt any displays from the bylaw requirements,” the fire chief said.

Official Town of Osoyoos displays will however see the $50 permit fee waived.

When asked by Mayor Sue McKortoff if individuals are permitted to set off fireworks within the town, Kortmeyer confirmed they are as long as they obtain a permit.

“Yes, under the delegation of authority the CAO and/or the Fire Chief can authorize under the same rules of the Explosive Act and Regulations . . . a permit has to be approved and the person lighting them off has to be a ‘card-carrying’ member of Industry Canada.”

This requires obtaining a Fireworks Operator Certificate from the Explosives Regulatory Division of Industry Canada.