Lunar New Year fireworks allowed at homes in Mississauga without permit

Mississauga residents celebrating Lunar New Year this weekend can set off fireworks on their own property without a permit if they choose to do so.

City of Mississauga officials say backyard fireworks on private property are allowed this coming Saturday, Feb. 10, from dusk until 11 p.m.

Lunar New Year is one of five dates on the calendar on which residents can set off celebratory fireworks on their property without contacting the city for a permit in advance.

Other holidays throughout the year on which residents can do so are Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali and New Year’s Eve.

City officials remind residents, however, that in order to use fireworks on a public street or at a park, a permit must be obtained from city hall or by calling 905-896-5908.

Also, in the interest of safety, used or unused fireworks should be disposed of by completely submerging them in water and soaking them overnight, officials say.

“Wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out and dispose of them in your garbage bin,” the city said in a news release.

Officials add Mississauga is a vibrant and diverse city that always has something to celebrate.

“As the Lunar New Year approaches, families across the city are getting ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon with food, fireworks, decorations, music, lanterns, gifts and more,” they said. “Lunar New Year is one of the largest celebrations for Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Southeast Asian communities around the world, including Mississauga. Families and friends will come together to give thanks for the blessings of the year, exchange gifts and celebrate the arrival of the New Year.”

City officials offer a number of safety tips for those celebrating Lunar New Year:

• keep candles in a sturdy holder and on a heat-resistant surface away from curtains, furniture, decorations and clothing
• stay safe in the kitchen: turn off hot appliances when leaving the kitchen, keep towels and clothes away from the stovetop and never cook or barbecue in your garage. If you’re frying or cooking with oil, be careful as hot oil can catch fire easily
• visit Mississauga’s fire prevention page for more tips

Mississauga’s updated Fireworks Bylaw, which took effect on Dec. 1, also now allows for much harsher financial penalties for illegally using fireworks.

The most egregious rule breakers can now be fined anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 under the reworked bylaw. The maximum fine previously was $5,000.

For residents who want to report illegal use of fireworks, they can submit a complaint related to fireworks use on private property, sidewalks, boulevards and residential roads by calling 311.

To report fireworks in city parks or on school properties, call 905-615-4060.

To report fireworks on major public roadways or unsafe fireworks use, residents should contact Peel Regional Police at 905-453-3311. Do not call 911 for fireworks complaints.