Mississauga Councillor Warns intensified enforcement efforts this weekend and issueing of significant fines

With the Victoria Day long weekend approaching, Councillor Sue McFadden of Mississauga City has expressed worries about the irresponsible and potentially dangerous use of fireworks by many individuals. Over the past few months, the City has been reviewing its fireworks bylaws, focusing on enhancing enforcement measures to address these concerns.

Proposed changes to the bylaws will be discussed by the Council in June. In the meantime, Councillor McFadden is displeased with the way some residents have been utilizing fireworks and has emphasized that hefty fines will be imposed if the bylaws are violated this weekend. The only day during the long weekend when fireworks on private property are permitted is Monday, May 22.

In her recent newsletter to Ward 10 residents, Councillor McFadden stated, “The Victoria Day long weekend signals the unofficial start of summer for many. And for a long time, the statutory holiday on a Monday has been celebrated with fireworks.” She acknowledged that while setting off a few fireworks within reasonable hours on the holiday is acceptable for most people, some individuals have been disregarding the bylaws by using larger fireworks, extending the duration of shows, and lighting them on non-holiday weekends as well.

The councillor emphasized that the City will intensify enforcement efforts this weekend and issue fines as resources allow, warning that the fines will be significant.

City officials, currently considering changes to fireworks regulations, remind residents of the following regulations regarding fireworks usage:

– Fireworks are prohibited on streets, public property (such as parks), parking lots, and private properties that do not belong to the individual.
– Fireworks on private property are only permitted on the statutory holiday (May 22). In the event of rain on Victoria Day, residents are allowed to set off fireworks the following day (May 23).
– Fireworks are only permitted until midnight.
– To use fireworks on private property on any other day of the year, residents must obtain a permit from Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services.
– The sale of fireworks in Mississauga requires a license issued by the City’s bylaw enforcement staff.

Residents can find more information on making complaints on the City of Mississauga website. To report fireworks on private property, residents can call the City’s 311 information line. Complaints related to fireworks on public roadways should be directed to Peel Regional Police at 905-453-3111. For complaints regarding fireworks in City parks and schools, residents can call 905-615-4060. For other firework-related inquiries, Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services can be contacted at 905-456-5700.

Mississauga bylaw enforcement officers are also conducting inspections this week to identify any vendors illegally selling fireworks prior to the Victoria Day long weekend.