Mississauga Weighs Fireworks Ban After Complaints of Diwali ‘Out of Control’ Celebrations

Mississauga city officials are once again contemplating a potential ban on fireworks after this year’s Diwali celebrations led to a surge in resident complaints and concerns over excessive noise. During a city council meeting on November 6, Mayor Carolyn Parrish voiced her support for a possible ban, calling the recent Diwali fireworks display “out of control.”

According to city data, Mississauga received 229 fireworks-related complaints between October 31 and November 2, with the holiday officially celebrated on November 2 this year. This figure marks a significant increase from the 97 complaints received during Diwali’s fireworks holiday in 2023. The most affected areas this year were Wards 5, 7, and 11, suggesting localized concerns over noise and safety.

Mississauga permits fireworks on private properties during five major holidays: Diwali, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Lunar New Year, and New Year’s Eve. However, usage is restricted to between dusk and 11 p.m. In her remarks, Councillor Butt highlighted violations of this policy, noting, “Fireworks on Diwali are becoming a big problem… It’s all night long.” These comments reflect growing frustration among officials and residents over the lack of adherence to city bylaws.

Mississauga’s neighboring cities, Brampton and Caledon, have already implemented strict fireworks regulations. Brampton, which banned personal fireworks after 1,491 complaints in 2022, reported an 84% reduction in calls this year. In addition to the ban, Brampton also hosted large-scale public fireworks displays, which Parrish suggested could be a model for Mississauga. She proposed that Mississauga could consider city-hosted celebrations for Diwali, Eid, and the Lunar New Year, potentially reducing the incentive for individual displays while fostering community spirit.

However, the idea of a complete ban on fireworks is not new. Mississauga Council had previously discussed a similar proposal in 2023 but opted instead to enhance enforcement, extend officer hours, and increase fines for bylaw breaches. Yet, with growing public pressure, Parrish signaled that a ban could be re-examined, emphasizing that research is essential to evaluate costs, enforcement challenges, and potential health impacts.

“We’re going to do thorough research…we need our facts, figures, and health concerns laid out perfectly,” Parrish said. As a next step, she plans to survey council members and gather insights on policing expenses tied to firework complaints.

If enacted, a city-wide ban would apply to all fireworks holidays, not just Diwali, ensuring uniformity across celebrations in Mississauga. For residents and city officials alike, the coming weeks will determine whether the city’s stance on fireworks changes permanently, or if increased enforcement will suffice to address the growing concerns.