Prohibitions

No person may store, hold, possess, fire, set-off or explode Fireworks without a Fireworks Permit.

No Fireworks Permit Holder may store, hold, possess, fire, set-off, explode or otherwise use Fireworks in contravention of a Fireworks Permit.

No person may store, hold, possess, fire, set-off or explode Entertainment Industry Pyrotechnics without a Pyrotechnics Permit.

No Entertainment Industry Pyrotechnics Permit Holder may store, hold, possess, fire, set-off, explode or otherwise use Entertainment Industry Pyrotechnics in contravention of a Pyrotechnics Permit.

No person may store, hold, posses, fire, set-off, explode or otherwise use Fireworks or Entertainment Industry Pyrotechnics in a manner that increases the risk of physical injury to any person or damage to any public or private property.

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Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older may apply for a Fireworks Permit to fire, set-off or explode Family Fireworks or Display Fireworks by submitting to the Fire Chief, at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date upon which the Fireworks Event is to occur.  The Applicant must meet all the requirements of Bylaw No. 1579 and all other applicable Bylaws of the District.

Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older may apply for a Pyrotechnics Permit to fire, set-off or explode Entertainment Industry Pyrotechnics by submitting to the Fire Chief, at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date upon which the Pyrotechnics Event is to occur.  The Applicant must meet all the requirements of Bylaw No. 1579 and all other applicable Bylaws of the District. 

We sometimes forget that family fireworks are not toys. Family fireworks are, in fact, powerful pyrotechnic articles and for this reason, both the sale and purchase of them are restricted. The Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada tests fireworks and approves those that are safe to transport, store, handle, and use.

To ensure a fun but safe family fireworks display, it is important that you follow the simple safety procedures outlined below.

Follow your local and provincial/territorial laws regarding the purchase, possession and use of family fireworks.  Some municipalities restrict sales to certain times of the year while others prohibit the use of family fireworks altogether or do not allow the sale of certain types of family fireworks.

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Do not be tempted to try to smuggle fireworks into Canada from another country (e.g., the United States). In addition to this practice being illegal and subject to heavy fines, fireworks that are not authorized in Canada may be very violent or of dubious quality and thus constitute a safety hazard to you and your children.

Always store fireworks in a cool, dry place and keep them away from children. Check instructions for special handling directions.

The maximum amount of fireworks that can be stored in a dwelling is 10 kg gross weight. Any amount in excess of this must be stored in a separate, locked building.

Always put Fireworks in the trunk. In the absence of a trunk (e.g., van or pick-up truck), transport fireworks in a non-sparking container with a lid. Do not smoke while loading, transporting or unloading fireworks.

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Always use fireworks in an open area away from buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions, and dry brush/grass (which could catch fire).

A minimum clear area of 30 m by 30 m for aerial family fireworks, such as Roman candles, and 20 m by 20 m for fountains and other ground-based items is recommended.

Check wind direction and wind speed.  Fireworks should be lit with the prevailing wind blowing away from spectators. Do not set-off aerial fireworks in strong winds.

Always light ground-based fireworks (fountains, mines) on a hard, flat and level surface to ensure stability of the item. Grass is typically not suitable; lay down wood/plywood.

For aerial fireworks (Roman candles), bury (do not pile) the device to half its length in the ground or in a large pail or box filled with earth or sand.

Protect your eyes with safety glasses or safety goggles. Regular prescription glasses or sunglasses provide little or no protection and may actually contribute to an injury.

Never let children handle, play with or fire fireworks under any circumstances. Even sparklers, which are considered by many as “safe” fireworks for children, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing.

Take care when handling fireworks to prevent dropping them. Do not carry fireworks in your pockets. Never smoke while handling fireworks.

When lighting, never put any part of your body or head over the firework; never hand hold them or insert them into other means of containment such as pipes; and never point or throw them at people.

During the show, store the unused fireworks away from the firing area and keep them covered to prevent stray sparks from prematurely setting them off.

Never attempt to re-light fireworks that have misfired (duds). Wait 30 minutes and then place them in a bucket of water.

Wait 30 minutes after the display has finished. Check the firing area for duds, clean-up all debris, and check it again the next morning.

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The Family Fireworks Safety Module (Explonet) provides educational support to schools across Canada. The first Module syllabus is set up around the safety and use of family fireworks. The Family Fireworks Safety Module was developed with the safety of grade-school children in mind. The initial module was launched in partnership with two public schools: one in the east and one in the west. The module strongly delivers the message that fireworks are for adult use and not for play. This program is now available nationally.