The Township of Muskoka Lakes is considering tighter rules on setting off fireworks.
Currently the Township’s Fireworks By-law allows fireworks to be set off seven days a week. Although a permit from the Fire Department is required if the activity occurs from Sunday-Thursday, no such permit is required if the display occurs on Friday or Saturday.
Some of the proposed changes to the bylaw include limiting fireworks displays to Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
To gauge public opinion, the Township has launched an online survey, which you can access here. The survey closes Nov. 17.
At the August 12, 2021 Planning Committee meeting, delegations were heard from two members of the community requesting changes to the Township of Muskoka Lakes Fireworks By-law.
Township staff were asked to look into the issue and they subsequently came up with the proposed chance to limit displays to a few specific holidays. However, they cautioned there will likely be some challenges regarding its enforcement.
“Typically, fireworks are set off at night time and close to midnight when by-law staff are not on shift,” according to staff. “The Fire Department does
attend fireworks complaints but a majority of the time, the address can’t be determined or the display of fireworks is long finished before they are able to attend. In a number of cases ascertaining the correct address poses challenges, as complainants can be a considerable distance from the activity.”
The report also compiled some of the rules and regulations in nearby municipalities:
Bracebridge – Falls under their Noise By-law and prohibits fireworks to be set off at any time unless it is on Victoria Day or Canada Day and one day preceding and following those two days.
Lake of Bays – Allows fireworks to be set off on Canada Day and all other statutory holidays as long as a fire ban is not in place.
Huntsville– Allows fireworks to be set off each weekend day from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm and when holidays such as New Years Day or Canada Day fall outside of a weekend.
Gravenhurst- Does not have a fireworks by-law but prohibits them to be set off within a Township park at any time.
Georgian Bay – No person shall set off fireworks when the fire rating is at “high” or “extreme”, otherwise there are no regulations to set off fireworks.
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It’s fun to see private lake side fireworks on weekends before 11 pm for various reasons. It ads to the cottage culture.As long as they are safe, burnt residue non-polluting and the operators are responsible and haven’t been charged with dangerous operations in the past, I have no problems- Milford Bay.