Mississauga seeks input from residents as crackdown on fireworks looms

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Published February 23, 2023 at 10:14 am

Before Mississauga makes any decision to crack down on the use of fireworks and increase fines for setting off illegal ones, City officials want to know where residents stand.

City of Mississauga council directed staff members last month to launch a review of the City’s Fireworks Bylaw, asking that they consider stricter bylaws governing the sale of fireworks, restrictions on the type of fireworks for individual use and clarification of the days and hours fireworks can be used, among other measures.

The proposal to look at Mississauga’s fireworks policies was brought forward by Ward 5 Councillor Carolyn Parrish. Her proposal calls for more restrictions on the personal use of fireworks, but stops short of a total ban.

The move comes in response to a number of complaints against those who let off fireworks throughout the year, especially during Diwali, Canada Day and Victoria Day.

Brampton recently adopted a total ban on fireworks for personal use and Caledon has also implemented more restrictions on its citizens.

In her motion, Parrish says the City needs to reinforce existing bylaws restricting the use of personal fireworks displays to a single day surrounding Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali and New Year’s Eve and that on those occasions, they should not be set off after 11 p.m.

As well, she calls for stiffer fines for those who break the rules, including property owners.

As it considers changes to its Fireworks Bylaw, the City is putting out the call to residents to chime in with their opinions.

From Feb. 22 to March 20, Mississauga residents can provide their input about fireworks use in the city. Responses will inform recommendations for potential changes to a number of fireworks-related topics, including:

  • increasing regulations on fireworks use in Mississauga
  • increasing fines for illegal fireworks use
  • increased enforcement of the fireworks bylaw in Mississauga

Residents can provide feedback via an online survey available until March 20 or by attending one of two virtual public meetings (March 2 and March 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.).

The meetings will include a presentation and question-and-answer session.

–with files from Steve Pecar

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