Fireworks

Fireworks Bylaw 

To help keep residents safe, the Town of Caledon has implemented a Fireworks By-law. The bylaw, effective April 26, 2022, means discharging of fireworks for personal use is not allowed in Caledon, nor is the sale of home fireworks. 

The bylaw uses a permit system for large fireworks displays such as community events, motion picture and theatrical pyrotechnics. The permit will require the following: 

  • minimum safe distances of 300m from all vulnerable occupancies (schools, nursing and care facilities), industrial, fuel dispensing facilities and agricultural facilities containing livestock;
  • displays be discharged by a licensed Display Supervisor;
  • sufficient insurance for liability purposes;
  • inspections for safety; and
  • fireworks be planned for acceptable times and locations from dusk to 11 p.m. unless otherwise approved.

Personal use of Fireworks Prohibited - Provincial Offences Ticket of $615 or progressively increased penalties  

Any person who violates the Fireworks By-law is guilty of an offence and subject to a fine up to $615, which may progressively increase. Set fines include:

  • Discharge or in possession of fireworks - $615
  • Set off fireworks in a manner which causes a nuisance or disturbance - $615
  • Hold a fireworks display on town land - $360
  • Obstruct an officer while performing their duty - $615
  • The Town also has discretion to issue a summons requiring someone to attend court where fines range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $100,000

Have questions? Call 311 or read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.

Review the Fireworks Bylaw. 

Apply for a fireworks permit

Fireworks By-law FAQ

When was this ban enacted?

April 26, 2022 and is currently in effect.

 Was the public consulted on this decision?

Yes, the public was engaged through an in-person open house and online survey in March of 2019.  Staff also engaged the public again with a virtual open house in February 2021.

 What are we doing to notify residents that fireworks are no longer permitted?

A communication campaign has been created to inform our residents and vendors of the changes resulting from this bylaw.  

My neighbours aren't following the ban - what can be done? How can I report and to whom? How will they enforce? What are the consequences?

Call 311 to report a violation. Bylaw will follow up on evidence-based claims. Any person who violates any provisions of the Fireworks Bylaw is guilty of an offence.

How can I make a complaint after hours, likely when the fireworks are being set off?

Municipal Law Enforcement Staff, and their enforcement partners, will be adjusting their hours of enforcement in an effort to answer all complaints and respond as necessary.

There is firework debris on public property and/or private property – how will this be dealt with?

The Town will clean up debris on public property. Property owners will be responsible for debris on private property. If there's evidence identifying someone not following the bylaw, enforcement will follow up, investigate and charge if evidence supports.

 What if we want to celebrate a culturally significant holiday with fireworks?

A permit will be required for fireworks displays at community events. The permit will require the following: 
  • minimum safe distances of 300m from all vulnerable occupancies (schools, nursing and care facilities), industrial, fuel dispensing facilities and agricultural facilities containing livestock;
  • displays be discharged by a licensed Display Supervisor;
  • sufficient insurance for liability purposes;
  • inspections for safety; and
  • fireworks be planned for acceptable times and locations from dusk to 11 p.m. unless otherwise approved.

The permit system will be the responsibility of the Fire Chief and designates. 

I want to apply for a permit to set off fireworks - how do I do this? Is there a permit to sell fireworks?

Only licensed Fireworks Display Supervisors are permitted to apply and obtain a display, consumer or pyrotechnics fireworks permit. Please have them contact Fire and Emergency Services at (905) 584-2272 x.4303 or fire@caledon.ca for a permit application, or call 311.

Council directed staff to prepare a new Fireworks Bylaw to ban the use and sale of personal fireworks. 

If I am successful in obtaining a permit, what are the conditions?

The bylaw and the permit process contains specific requirements including:

the discharging of fireworks is performed by a Licensed Display Supervisor; that sufficient liability insurance be provided (5 million dollars); inspections by the fire service may be required to be conducted for safety purposes; and include acceptable times and locations.