Fireworks
Currently personal fireworks displays are allowed on private property on Victoria Day, Canada Day and Diwali, from dusk to 11 p.m. Fireworks are not allowed to be discharged on public property including parks, playgrounds, sports fields or courts, streets, and sidewalks. The bylaw regulating the sale and discharge of consumer fireworks is Chapter #0802 of the Municipal Code.
Changes to Fireworks Bylaw
At their meeting on July 13, 2023, Council directed staff to prepare a bylaw that bans the sale and discharge of consumer fireworks based on frequent complaints of people not complying with the current bylaw. Now that Council has given this direction, staff will prepare a draft bylaw to bring back for Council’s consideration. When the draft comes back, staff will also provide information around potential timelines for implementation and how the new bylaw could be enforced. To be notified when the draft bylaw goes before Council, subscribe to this page using the receive email updates button below.
Fireworks Safety
Fireworks can be fun, but they can also be dangerous. See below some tips from the Canada Safety Council on keeping people and their properties safe.
- Follow the federal and local laws and regulations regarding the purchase and safe use of consumer fireworks.
- Only adults 18 years or over should handle the fireworks. Do not handle fireworks if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Always read the instructions carefully.
- Store unused units in a closed box away from the unit being lit and do not smoke around them.
- Set up outdoors in a clear, open space on a hard, flat and level surface and only light one item at a time.
- Spectators should be a safe distance away (minimum distance should be written on the fireworks label). Keep close supervision on children.
- Wear protective eye glasses and gloves. Light at arm’s length and then stand back.
- Never lean over the fireworks and keep hair and clothes away from fire sources.
- Never attempt to re-light a “dud” or defective unit.
- Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand.
- Have a bucket of sand (which can be used for sparklers after they burn out), a supply of water and a working fire extinguisher on hand.
- Always dispose of fireworks safely and properly.