Qualicum Beach is considering a full ban on the sale and use of fireworks. The current bylaw, in place since 2007, allows residents to discharge fireworks within town limits on Halloween, with sales permitted between October 24 and 31. Council voted to defer the discussion to a strategic planning commission meeting next year.

So, to be clear: the existing rule is "you may not have fireworks except for one week in October when you can." The proposed new rule is "you may not have fireworks." It is, as bylaws go, a refinement.

The 2007 bylaw is, at this point, old enough to vote, drink in this country, and remember a time when fireworks were legal.

I have nothing personal against the proposal. I understand the fire-risk arguments. I understand the wildlife arguments. I do find it interesting — and isn't it convenient that — every time the conversation gets close to "what are we doing about the cougars," it gets re-routed into "should ten-year-olds be allowed to launch a Roman candle on October twenty-eighth." Different ass, same chair.

Let me put it this way. In the time it has taken council to decide whether one week of fireworks is allowable, three generations of teenagers have aged out of caring. The kids who were going to set off the fireworks have moved to Calgary. The bylaw is debating itself.

If you'd like to weigh in, the strategic planning commission meets next year. Allegedly.

— Grant Marlowe, Oceanside Tonight. Light it, don't light it — just stop deferring it.