Mississauga considers crackdown on fireworks

Mississauga is expected to consider new policies that will control the use and sale of fireworks.

A proposal by Ward 5 Councillor Carolyn Parrish calls for more restrictions on the personal use of fireworks but stops short of a total ban.

In a motion that goes before council on Wednesday (Jan. 18), Parrish will ask City staff to 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,

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 regarding the use of personal firework 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 detonated after 11 p.m.

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

She does ask for exemptions for special events if approved by the fire department and held under the supervision of a certified
pyrotechnic expert.

Mississauga already has several bylaws in place controlling the use of fireworks on the special days already mentioned but allows the use on other days through permits that residents must apply for in advance.

The report will also ask for the financial implications of more restrictions as the number of bylaw enforcement officers may have to be increased to respond to the number of complaints and to issue fines.