[CTV News] London grants permission for backyard fireworks on Diwali and Chinese Lunar New Year—again

The city council has voted to permit backyard fireworks to celebrate Diwali and Chinese Lunar New Year, overturning a previous recommendation by the Community and Protective Services Committee. This decision came after a lengthy debate and was driven by a motion put forward by Coun. Steve Lehman and Coun. Corrine Rahman.

Last August, the council had voted 10-5 in favor of expanding the number of days when backyard fireworks are permitted. However, the committee had refused to approve the necessary by-law amendment that would add Diwali and Chinese Lunar New Year to the existing permissions on Canada Day and Victoria Day.

The committee’s recommendation had sparked concern in the impacted communities. Lehman expressed the community’s frustration, stating, “We thought this had been decided upon.” He also pointed out that the by-law is not being effectively enforced, regardless of how many more holidays are added.

Rahman expressed disappointment that some councillors’ comments seemed to diminish the religious and cultural significance of fireworks to the celebrations. She emphasized the council’s commitment to an Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Framework and expressed her belief that it is not being used fully enough by council members.

Mayor Josh Morgan supported the decision to add the new dates for backyard firework displays, stating, “We can say you can celebrate in a different way, but that’s not necessarily listening to the community.” He believed that the community had spoken “loud and clear” about the importance of backyard fireworks in support of the celebration of Diwali and Chinese Lunar New Year.

Source: Conversation with Bing
https://london.ctvnews.ca/london-grants-permission-for-backyard-fireworks-on-diwali-and-chinese-lunar-new-year-again-1.6831393