Fireworks red tape blamed for fire problems and racism, business owner tells council

Edmonton's strict fireworks regulations have created more problems than they solved and are contributing to racism toward southeast Asian communities, according to a fireworks business owner who spoke to the Community and Public Services Committee on Monday.

Jon Adria, owner of Uncle Jon's Fireworks, told council the city had no fireworks-related issues before 2019 when regulations tightened. "Calgary always bans fireworks and Calgary always burns on Diwali," he said. "We never had those problems until we banned them."

Adria noted the permit conditions are now so restrictive that only established businesses like his can navigate them, blocking community groups from obtaining permits as they once did. He urged the city to adopt a Saskatoon model where adults can use fireworks freely on several designated days throughout the year with no incidents.

Adria also raised concerns about discriminatory impact: "Every time fireworks are used illegally, they get blamed. Even though these are the very communities that have given up their show and always followed the rules."

Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer David Jones reported that 311 complaints about fireworks surged 1,400 percent since 2020. The push for stricter rules intensified after a home burned down last year during Diwali when a family used fireworks on their property.

City officials are now trying to chart a path allowing fireworks during the November holiday while maintaining fire safety. The city is contributing $20,000 from its anti-racism fund to support community-based Diwali celebrations, with additional funding from fundraising. A City Hall event is also being explored, though it currently does not include a fireworks component. Committee Chair Jo-Anne Wright said council would review the fireworks bylaw in September.