A day after thousands of Cambridge residents celebrated Diwali, the Indian holiday of lights, the city says it has not issued a single ticket for violating its fireworks bylaw.
The City of Cambridge did, however, receive 18 complaint calls over the weekend for bylaw infractions, but officers were unable to find anyone violating the rules.
"Previously we shared that complaints involving fireworks are difficult to enforce," wrote Allison Jones, communications for the City of Cambridge in an email.
"While there is an expectation that enforcement staff should address these quickly, people will often disperse once the fireworks are launched, or complaints are described as being in the vicinity within a neighbourhood, without a specific address being provided."
On Nov. 12 Cambridge residents were permitted to set off personal fireworks displays to celebrate Diwali, but some residents took to social media to complain about when and how the fireworks were being used.
One post to Facebook showed video of residents lighting fireworks in the middle of the street.
While some comments factually pointed out the bylaw infractions that were taking place, other comments were more racially charged.
Waterloo Regional Police Service also posted on its social media channels with the message that anyone with complaints about fireworks should not call 911 as that line is reserved for emergencies only.
In celebration of Diwali, fireworks are permitted tonight until 11:00pm. Our Communications Centre is extremely busy with people making complaints. We need to try to keep our communicators available for people with emergencies where possible. Thank you for your cooperation.
— Waterloo Regional Police (@WRPSToday) November 13, 2023
"We would like to reminder members of the public to contact 9-1-1 only in emergency incidents, such as: an attack/assault, gunshots, fire, medical emergencies, crimes in progress, suspicious activity or serious traffic collisions. Reporting fireworks is not an emergency situation and they need to contact the non-emergency number at 519-570-9777 if making a report," wrote Bradly Hickey, communications officer for WRPS.
A report on the city's fireworks bylaw, which currently permits displays until 11 p.m. on Victoria Day, Canada Day and Diwali, is returning to city council next spring and could include recommendations to make changes, increase fines or a blanket ban on fireworks, which some municipalities have done recently, including Brampton.
Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett previously said earlier this year that council and staff have considered banning public fireworks completely and increasing fines upwards of $1,000.
