Residents advised to limit fireworks celebrations this Victoria Day
The City of Waterloo, along with area municipalities across the region, remind residents to keep safety top of mind this Victoria Day.
To meet physical distancing guidelines, public firework displays will not be permitted and no public events will be held across the region for the May long weekend (May 22-24). Fireworks cannot be set off in municipal parks, sports fields, laneways, or on school board property.
Additionally, private backyard firework displays associated with the Victoria Day weekend are discouraged to respect physical distancing protocol, as well as the possibility of tying up emergency resources as well as the risks associated with gatherings. In addition, indoor and outdoor gatherings are not allowed, except with members of your household and one other person from outside of the household that lives alone.
Residents are asked to consider alternate plans and to keep celebrations to those within their household. Please note that municipal by-law officers will be enforcing current public health restrictions.
“Residents of the City of Waterloo have done a great job of adjusting to life through the pandemic, and we strongly urge everyone to make another accommodation to maintain personal and community safety,” said Fire Chief Richard Hepditch, Waterloo Fire Rescue. “We don’t want to put any additional pressure on the healthcare system or emergency responders, so rather than traditional fireworks, we are asking people to celebrate creatively – access age appropriate fireworks videos on YouTube, or use glow sticks, observe physical distancing and celebrate responsibly.”
If you’re looking for something fun to do on the long weekend – or any day, check out the city’s Waterloo at Home program.
In addition, all city facilities remain closed. The washroom at the Adult Recreation Centre remains open.
Anyone selling fireworks requires a license from the city in line with the municipal fireworks by-law. For details on firework by-laws and safety, please contact the city at 519-747-8785 or visit waterloo.ca. In addition, follow Waterloo Fire Rescue on Twitter for more helpful tips.
Media contact:
Chief Richard Hepditch
Waterloo Fire Service
richard.hepditch@waterloo.ca
Tony Iavarone
Director, Corporate Communications
tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca