New Year’s Eve home fireworks allowed without permits in Mississauga
Published December 27, 2023 at 3:10 pm
Mississauga residents who want to ring in the new year at home with backyard fireworks can do so without obtaining a permit, unlike last year.
Late this year, City of Mississauga officials added New Year’s Eve to the list of dates on the calendar on which residents can set off celebratory fireworks on their property without contacting the city for a permit in advance.
According to new city rules, “fireworks are allowed on private residential properties on New Year’s Eve from dusk until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day. A permit is needed for use on public streets and in parks.”
Other holidays throughout the year on which residents can have fireworks at their homes are Victoria Day, Canada Day, Lunar New Year and Diwali.
“To set off fireworks on private property on any day other than these holidays, you’ll need to apply for a firework display permit,” city officials said in an online list of regulations.
“Fireworks cannot be used on a public street, park or road without a permit. You should only buy fireworks from a licensed retailer,” officials add.
In a recent news release, city officials added to their safety advice.
“To dispose of used or unused fireworks, completely submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out, and dispose of them in your garbage bin.”
To file a complaint regarding the illegal use of fireworks on private property or city parks, residents can call 311 or submit a complaint online at mississauga.ca/fireworks.
To report fireworks on public roadways, residents should contact Peel Regional Police at 905-453-3311, officials say.
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.
Ward 8 Councillor Matt Mahoney was behind the initial motion to dramatically increase the fines for illegal use of fireworks.
During earlier discussion at city council, he said his call for more teeth in the enforcement of Mississauga’s fireworks bylaw targets the worst of offenders — including some owners of plazas and malls who’ve allowed fireworks and other noise to get considerably out of hand on occasion.
“This is targeting the illegal fireworks that we, as a municipality, have been dealing with for years,” Mahoney told his colleagues shortly before the motion passed back in November. “I think the $100,000 fine is really something that just shows people who are breaking the rules that we’re not going to stand for it any longer.”
Ward 8 Councillor Matt Mahoney.