Victoria Day fireworks in Burlington. What you need to know

Next Monday, May 20, is Victoria Day, a statutory holiday in Canada that has been celebrated since 1845. It honours the birth of then reigning monarch Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

Informally, those of a certain age will remember the day was known as “Firecracker Day” where commercially available explosives of all shapes and sizes were lit up not only on the big day but usually weeks in advance. Firecrackers were banned across the country in 1972.

While in the past most municipalities marked the day with a large display of fireworks, that doesn’t happen so much anymore.

Burlington, for instance, no longer has a large, public display to celebrate Victoria and generally doesn’t allow fireworks at any other time except for Canada Day.

However, this coming Monday, you can let loose a little bit.

On May 20, fireworks are allowed in the city under certain guidelines, mostly for family use.

Videos

Read More

Read More

Learn more

Read More

Here are the rules:

• The only types of fireworks you can set off are low-hazard consumer fireworks, or “family” fireworks. You need a permit for high-hazard display fireworks
• You are only allowed to set off fireworks on Victoria Day from dusk until 11 p.m. on private property
• You must be over 18 to purchase and use fireworks
• You cannot set off fireworks within 10 metres of buildings, structures, decks, vehicles or accessory buildings
• You cannot set off fireworks on any public property, including highways, streets, city parks and schoolyards

The sale of low-hazard family fireworks is regulated by Burlington’s Business Licensing Bylaw.

If you are having fireworks at a public event, you will require:

• Approval from Burlington’s Fire Department
• A qualified fireworks supervisor with a valid card issued by the Explosives Division of Natural Resources Canada
• Written document and proof that the fireworks supervisor will take responsibility for the display, as outlined in the Government of Canada – Natural Resources Canada: Display Fireworks Manual

Other tips and rules about fireworks in Burlington can be found here.