2019-Jun-13
Funding for Flare Disposal Program Confirmed
Great news! Funding has just come through from Transport Canada so that the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS) and Canadian Industries Limited (CIL) can restart the expired flare recycling and safety education program. The program focuses on education and awareness of safety equipment, the care and maintenance of that equipment, and how to safely and effectively use and dispose of flares. The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons are lining up marinas to participate in the program, which will run for the next three years. Please check the CPS website (http://www.cps-ecp.ca/?WCE=C=47|K=240853) regularly for marina location additions and dates.
Have Your Flares Expired?
If your flares have a manufacture date of 2014 or earlier, they have or will expire this year. In accordance with Transport Canada requirements, flares are approved for four years from the date of manufacture. Typically, this means that you need to replace your flares every third or fourth boating season and dispose of the old ones. If they have expired or will expire during the boating season, you must replace them… it’s the law! You can’t light them, throw them in the water, or toss them in your household garbage to dispose of them.
Disposing of expired flares has been an ongoing dilemma for boaters across the country. To help boaters dispose of expired flares in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, CPS and selected CIL dealers are hosting Safety Equipment Education and Flare Disposal Days. On these days only, you can bring your outdated flares to be properly disposed of, free of charge. You will also be offered the opportunity to learn about required safety equipment. Commercial flares will not be accepted.
| Date | Retailer | Location |
| June 15, 2019 | Pisces Marine | 441 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, ON L6K 2H2 |
| June 15, 2019 | Lefroy Harbour Resorts | 727 Harbour St, Lefroy, ON L0L 1W0 |
| July 20, 2019 | Dan’s Nautical Shop | 12237 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, ON N8N 1A1 |
| Aug 10, 2019 | Marina Shores Ltd | 520 Highway 59 South (R.R. 3 Long Point Beach) Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 |
There are four types of flares: Type A: rocket parachute; Type B: multi-star; Type C: hand-held; Type D: smoke signal. For further information on the different characteristics of each type, and the quantity required for your vessel, please refer to the Safe Boating Guide at: www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety.
Want to host a Safety Equipment Education and Flare Disposal Day in 2019? Contact CPS’s John Gullick.