Display Fireworks
Many people enjoy fireworks displays whether they are the at-home, family-type or the large public display style. By-Law 2023-0032 contains provisions for the sale, storage, display and discharge of fireworks in Halton Hills.
Display type fireworks are high level devices that are discharged in cannon like tubes typically used at large public events such as the Acton Canada Day festivities. Only a federally approved fireworks technician can discharge these types of devices. These fireworks can only be purchased from a licensed vendor/manufacturer after the fireworks technician has received a signed approval from the fire department.
To receive the signed approval, property owners must apply through the Town's permit process per By-Law 2023-0032. The owner must submit a completed application along with payment, a copy of the technician's license and a map of the area where the fireworks will be discharged. Staff will review the documents and if necessary, conduct a site inspection prior to granting the permit. Pyrotechnic style fireworks typically used indoors in theatrical settings must also follow the instructions listed for display fireworks.
Display Fireworks Permit Application
Family Fireworks
Family-type fireworks, sometimes referred to as consumer or low level fireworks, are typically available at local retail outlets and are designed to rise less than 50 metres. Examples include: roman candles, pinwheels, sparklers and volcanoes.
Town Council has directed staff to conduct further research and engage residents on a number of issues related to fireworks. Given the complexity of the issues, staff anticipates consulting with the public in late 2023/spring 2024. For more information, contact Deputy Chief Bruce Morrison.
The Town has updated the fireworks by-law as noted below. For more information, read By-Law number 2023-0032.
Family fireworks may be discharged only on Victoria Day, Canada Day, Lunar New Year, Diwali and New Year’s Eve. Should a citizen wish to discharge fireworks outside these days a permit is required from the fire department.
For family fireworks, the following by-law provisions apply:
- No person shall discharge or display any family fireworks within the Town at any time during the whole year except on Victoria Day, Canada Day, Lunar New Year, Diwali and New Year’s Eve.
- Family fireworks may not be deployed past 11:00 p.m.
- In the event that a burn ban is in effect, fireworks are not permitted.
- Family fireworks may not be discharged in public places (parks, streets etc.) or on private property other than their own, unless consent of the owner has been obtained.
- No person shall discharge any firework(s) in such a place or in such a manner as might create a danger or nuisance to any person or property.
- No person shall cause or allow any unsafe act or omission with the discharge of fireworks and may not discharge them into buildings, doorways, structures and/or automobiles where it might create a danger or nuisance to any person or property.
- Unfired family fireworks must immediately be disposed of in a safe manner.
Additional provisions can be found in By-Law number 2023-0032.
Those who fail to follow these provisions are guilty of an offence and if convicted, are liable to a fine as provided in the Provincial Offences Act.
Family Fireworks Permit Application
Retail Sale of Family Fireworks
The sale of fireworks requires a permit issued by the fire department. Upon completion of the Sale of Fireworks Application staff will inspect the retail establishment to ensure the premise is maintained to Ontario Fire Code requirements and that fireworks can be stored properly.
In addition, fireworks can only be sold 7 days prior to Victoria Day, Canada Day, Lunar New Year, Diwali and New Year’s Eve Additional provisions for the sale of fireworks can be found in By-law 2023-0032.
Safety Tips for Discharging Fireworks
- Carefully read and follow label directions.
- Do not allow children to discharge fireworks without adult supervision.
- Discharge fireworks only if wind and weather conditions do not create a safety hazard.
- Keep onlookers a safe distance away and upwind from the discharge area.
- Always keep a pail of water or water hose close by for extinguishment.
- Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials, structures, trees and dry grass.
- Bury fireworks that do not have a base halfway in a container of sand or earth unless label states otherwise and angle them at a 10 degree angle, pointing away from people.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never light fireworks in your hand.
- Do not smoke near the fireworks.
- Stay away for at least 30 minutes before approaching a firework that did not go off.
- Keep sparklers away from children. They burn hot and can ignite clothing. Immediately soak spent sparklers in water.
- If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for 3 to 5 minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Clean up the fireworks debris when finished and check for embers or smouldering materials
If a citizen is looking for additional information or would you would like to report the improper discharge of fireworks please contact the fire department at 905 877-1133.