Fireworks celebrations mean extra enforcement to ensure rules followed in Mississauga
Published May 14, 2024 at 2:50 pm
There’s going to be a lot of fireworks across Mississauga this weekend and residents planning such celebrations in their backyards are reminded they can only do so without first getting a permit on the Victoria Day holiday Monday.
Mississauga officials said in a news release issued today the City of Mississauga’s fireworks bylaw allows fireworks without permits on private property only on May 20, from dusk until 11 p.m. Fireworks are not permitted this Saturday, May 18 or Sunday, May 19, they added, unless a permit from the city has been obtained.
Similar allowances/rules are in effect on four other holidays throughout the year in the city — New Year’s Eve/Day, Canada Day, Lunar New Year and Diwali.
Additionally, officials said, more bylaw enforcement officers will be on duty this weekend to help ensure compliance with the rules.
“This allows for more patrols, improves response time for complaints and helps ensure celebrations stay safe,” Mississauga officials said in their news release, adding a permit must also be obtained in order to set off fireworks on a public street or in a park.
In advance of last year’s Victoria Day weekend, Mississauga Ward 10 Coun. Sue McFadden promised heftier fines for rule breakers as additional bylaw officers were deployed to keep a lid on things.
Videos
She said at the time she wasn’t pleased with how some residents were not following the rules and were setting off fireworks on several days other than the holiday and into the wee hours of the morning.
City officials remind residents of some of the regulations governing use of fireworks:
- residents are not permitted to set off fireworks in a street, public property (parks, etc.), a parking lot or any private property that is not their own
- fireworks on private property may only be set off on the statutory holiday (May 20). If it rains on Victoria Day, residents are permitted to set off fireworks the day after the holiday (May 21)
- fireworks are only permitted until midnight
- to use fireworks on private property any other day of the year, residents must obtain a permit from Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services
- the sale of fireworks in Mississauga requires a licence issued by City of Mississauga bylaw enforcement staff
To dispose of used or unused fireworks, officials urge people to completely submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out and dispose of them in your garbage bin.
To report fireworks being illegally set off on private property, residents can call the city’s 311 information line. To file a complaint related to fireworks use on public roadways, call Peel Regional Police at 905-453-3111.
For complaints about use of fireworks in city parks and at schools, call 905-615-4060. For all other firework enquiries, call Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services at 905-456-5700.
Visit the City of Mississauga website for more information on making complaints and fireworks use in general.
INsauga's Editorial Standards and Policies