The fireworks bylaw has officially been changed to only permit fireworks to be set off on three designated holidays to quell complaints from residents.
Canada Day, Victoria Day and Diwali are the only days, rain or shine, that Cambridge residents are allowed to set off fireworks without a permit.
The move comes as complaints pour in from city residents about loud noises on days that are not holidays and people firing them off late into the night.
The recommendation from staff is to remove the bylaw that gives residents a grace period of two days after a holiday to continue to celebrate if there is inclement weather.
This would make setting off fireworks on any other day besides the three approved days, Canada Day, Victoria Day and Diwali against city bylaw and could see those breaching the rules fined.
"I think fireworks is one of our biggest complaints coming forward," said Cambridge mayor Jan Liggett to city council. "I heard fireworks again last week in my neighbourhood so it doesn't matter if there is a holiday or not people are just doing it because they can."
Liggett has also spoken with city bylaw about increasing the fine from $250 to $1,000 for those who violate the new rules.
A more comprehensive report will be coming back to council later in 2024 after public consultation and more data can be collected on the issue.
"The bigger the fine, maybe people will start paying attention to the bylaw," added Liggett.
If this continues to be an issue, Liggett is ready to ban private fireworks and join other communities where residents must obtain permit or go to public firework shows only.
