M.D. look to pass new fire services bylaw

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Vauxhall Advance

By Heather Cameron
Vauxhall Advance
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During a recent M.D. of Taber Council meeting, Administration brought a Request for Decision to Council’s attention regarding Municipal District of Taber Regional Fire Services Bylaw No. 2013.

Administration explained that although Municipal District of Taber Regional Fire Services Bylaw No. 2013 was brought forward previously, it has not yet received any readings, but it did receive feedback about amendments, including a resolution in regard to fireworks and assurance that the municipality does not add additional regulations to the already standing regulations from the federal government’s Explosives Act. 

Administration was also clear that they identified each of the individual changes to the Bylaw in the Request For Decision and did not provide any additional regulations, thereby following the feedback that they received.

“With what’s in the bylaw now, hopefully everybody is respectful of using fireworks,” said Councillor Harris.

Councillor Harris also asked M.D. of Taber Regional Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management Nathan Coté if he felt what was in Municipal District of Taber Regional Fire Services Bylaw No. 2013 ‘adequately safeguards those who use or might use fireworks for celebrations.’

“Instead of rewording the entire Explosives Act and regulation into our bylaw, we referenced that so it kind of covers the rules of safe use of fireworks,” said Chief Coté. “Furthermore, we added it to our tiered fire ban system as well, so it shows as part of a fire ban when we can or cannot use fireworks. Once we get to that restriction level where things are drying out within the municipality and we want to have the ability to start to restrict fire permits, we also restrict fireworks at that same time. I hope and believe that we’re laying out those safety precautions that they can be used safely within our municipality.”

Councillor Reynolds ultimately made the motion that the M.D. of Taber give first reading to the Municipal District of Taber Regional Fire Services Bylaw No. 2013 and the motion was carried.

Reeve Miyanaga thanked Chief Coté for his work on Municipal District of Taber Regional Fire Services Bylaw No. 2013 and also mentioned that STARS commended the region’s Fire Service Chiefs and volunteers for the good work they do when they are on scenes together.

“It’s great having great partnerships between STARS, HALO, all of us working well together and we’re certainly appreciative of the services they provide,” said Chief Coté.