A new bylaw banning the use, sale, possession, and discharge of fireworks on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) reserve lands came into effect on Oct. 7, 2024.
The bylaw, passed by Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation council) on Sept. 20, brings the Nation in line with neighbouring municipalities that have already enacted similar bans.
The decision to implement the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh 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 Téy̓wilhay̓lhem (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 Squamish Nation Public Safety Department at [email protected] or 604-982-9959.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
