Even the possession of fireworks is illegal in Chilliwack, never mind setting them off.
A little reminder of this fact was issued by Chilliwack RCMP on social media last week before the arrival of Halloween on Oct. 31.
A reminder that the use of fireworks is illegal within the City of Chilliwack. For firework complaints, call City of Chilliwack Bylaw Enforcement at 604-798-2908 during business hours. Afterhours, call the RCMP non-emergency line at 604-792-4611. pic.twitter.com/3dgj0igsS2
— Upper Fraser Valley RCMP (@UFVRD_RCMP) October 27, 2023
City of Chilliwack officials said as of Oct. 30 they had only received one complaint about fireworks to bylaw during the month of October leading up to Halloween, and it was lodged on Oct. 25.
It’s been illegal to either sell or set off any fireworks for years within city boundaries, but they were still available for purchase in neighbouring communities. But in 2021, the possession of fireworks within Chilliwack city limits also became prohibited since the requirement of catching someone in the act of discharging the fireworks led to challenges trying to enforce it, so this was the city’s new strategy.
Bylaw amendments approved two years ago made possession of fireworks in Chilliwack illegal, allowing seizure of prohibited fireworks, and increasing fines from $100 to $500.
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Other communities that have made possession prohibited in recent years include: Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey and Vancouver.
To register a complaint about fireworks during business hours, call City of Chilliwack bylaw enforcement at 604-798-2908 or after hours, call the RCMP non-emergency line at 604-792-4611.