A new bylaw banning the use, sale, possession, and discharge of fireworks on S岣祑x瘫wú7mesh Úxwumixw (撸奶社区Nation) reserve lands came into effect on Oct. 7, 2024.
The bylaw, passed by Nexwsxwníw虛ntm ta U虂xwumixw (撸奶社区Nation council) on Sept. 20, brings the Nation in line with neighbouring municipalities that have already enacted similar bans.
The decision to implement the S岣祑x瘫wú7mesh Nation Fireworks Ban Bylaw follows ongoing concerns from community members about the safety risks and disruptions caused by fireworks. The ban also addresses environmental and climate-related issues.
Fines for violations begin at $250 per infraction per day. The Ta na wa Téy虛wilhay虛lhem (public safety) Department is actively monitoring the community. Penalties of $250 can be applied for each violation, such as $250 for storage, $250 for promotion, $250 for selling, and $250 for possession, leading to fines of up to $1,000 per day for multiple infractions.
For more information on the fireworks ban, contact the 撸奶社区Nation Public Safety Department at [email protected] or 604-982-9959.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The 撸奶社区’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the .
