What kind of fireworks crackdown is Mississauga considering? Residents will find out

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Published March 7, 2023 at 4:27 pm

Fireworks MIssissauga

Mississauga residents will meet with City officials online again tonight (March 7) to talk about fireworks and how they might be better regulated.

An online session to run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight is the second of two virtual public meetings (the other took place March 2) hosted by the City of Mississauga as it seeks input from residents on the issue.

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

City officials are considering cracking down on the use of fireworks and increasing fines for setting off illegal ones, among other measures.

Residents can also provide feedback via an online survey available until March 20.

Mississauga council directed staff members in January 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.

Until 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

–with files from Steve Pecar

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