Fireworks are a holiday tradition that guarantees to end the Victoria Day long weekend with a bang, but they can also be quite dangerous.
The City of Ottawa is reminding residents to take extra precautions when lighting fireworks.
Fireworks should:
- always be discharged away from anything combustible
- by someone over the age of 18, and on private property
- fired on the day of, day before or day after Victoria Day
- be discharged in accordance to the instructions on the box
For many, fireworks are an opportunity to bring people together and to enjoy the warm weather.
"It's an excuse to get friends and family together, to get all your friends in the backyard and to have a little celebration," said Brad Milson.
Although the sale of fireworks is limited - they can only be sold seven days prior to a holiday - the business can be lucrative, with prices up to $600.00 per box. Firework sales are greater on Canada Day, though Kaboom Fireworks on Ogilvie road hopes to make about $10,00 to $15,000 during the week leading up to Victoria Day.
If you aren't planning on lighting your own fireworks, there are also a couple of big displays this weekend. The final fireworks show at the Tulip Festival is happening at Dow's lake on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. A fireworks show is also happening at Mooney's Bay Park on Sunday at 9:30 p.m.
More information on the fireworks by-law can be found here: http://ottawa.ca/en/news/fireworks-law-will-be-enforced-victoria-day-weekend-0
