Countdown to Canada Day puts Brampton’s fireworks enforcement to the test

As thousands of people prepare to gather at Chinguacousy Park for Brampton’s Canada Day celebrations, city officials are hoping stricter enforcement of the city’s fireworks ban, combined with a major security presence, will prevent a repeat of the dangerous scenes that overshadowed last year’s festivities.

The City of Brampton has prohibited the use, sale, possession and discharge of fireworks since 2022, but the days leading up to Canada Day have traditionally brought an increase in complaints about illegal fireworks being set off in neighbourhoods.

This year, officials are once again reminding residents that only city-authorized pyrotechnic displays are permitted, with fines starting at $500 for using or possessing fireworks without a permit. Property owners can also be held responsible if fireworks are set off on their property, while more serious offences can result in court fines of up to $100,000.

The renewed messaging comes as Brampton prepares for one of its largest annual celebrations, with additional security measures planned following the disorder that broke out during last year’s Canada Day event.

The city has significantly increased its security budget for the July 1 celebration at Chinguacousy Park, spending more than $200,000 on safety measures — roughly $80,000 more than last year.

Visitors entering the park will pass through controlled entry points where bags will be searched by Peel Regional Police officers and security personnel. Alcohol and prohibited items will not be allowed inside, although attendees may bring food and non-alcoholic beverages.

The tighter security follows troubling incidents during last year’s event, when groups of people ignited and threw fireworks into crowds as families were leaving the park after the official display. Videos circulating on social media showed fireworks exploding near pedestrians, sending people running for safety and prompting calls for stronger crowd-control measures.

Police have said officers will maintain a highly visible presence throughout the day and evening, using an intelligence-led policing approach to monitor the large crowds expected to attend.

Despite the increased enforcement, the city is encouraging residents to celebrate Canada Day by attending its official festivities rather than setting off fireworks on their own.

The free celebration runs from noon until 10 p.m. at Chinguacousy Park, and features live entertainment, family activities, food vendors and a licensed beer garden.

Country music fans can look forward to performances by Emerson Drive and American headliner Lee Brice, while younger visitors can enjoy inflatable rides, games, pony rides, a petting zoo, paddle boats, miniature golf, the splash pad and other attractions throughout the day.

The celebration will wrap up with Brampton’s official fireworks display, presented by Tim Hortons, beginning at approximately 10 p.m.

With thousands expected to attend, city officials are also encouraging residents to use free shuttle buses operating from Mount Pleasant GO Station, Trinity Common Mall, Sheridan College and Gore Meadows Community Centre, as parking around the park will be limited.

For Brampton, the hope is that enhanced enforcement before Canada Day and a stronger police presence during the celebration will keep the focus on the city’s official festivities and away from the dangerous fireworks incidents that marred last year’s event.