Calgary fireworks fines could triple under proposed bylaw amendments

Stiffer penalties are coming for Calgary residents caught with illegal fireworks, with the city's Community Development Committee set to discuss bylaw amendments on September 1.

The proposed changes would significantly increase fines for fireworks violations. Sale of illegal fireworks would jump from $750 to $3,000. Displaying fireworks openly in public would draw a $1,000 fine. Discharging fireworks without a permit would double from $500 to $1,000. Several other offences under the bylaw would also jump from a minimum $250 fine to a minimum $750, with a maximum of $1,000.

Between 2023 and 2025, Calgary 311 received 183 fireworks-related service requests. Nearly half happened around Diwali festivals, with 16 per cent around Canada Day and the Calgary Stampede. In October 2025 alone, during the lead-up to and during Diwali, seven tickets were issued for illegal sale and use. During the same period, Calgary Fire Department crews responded to four grass fires and one structure fire linked to fireworks activity. Calgary Police Service also responded to an increased number of noise, public safety and "shots fired" concerns that turned out to be fireworks.

Ward 5 Councillor Raj Dhaliwal, who chairs the committee, raised the fireworks issue last November and has expressed support for the higher fines. However, he questioned whether the proposed increases go far enough, noting that some cities—like Mississauga, Ontario—have fines of up to $100,000. He also raised concerns about the bylaw's framing and enforcement plan, saying he didn't want people celebrating Diwali to feel singled out through this process.

The City noted that prohibited fireworks violations could potentially qualify under the National Fire Code (Alberta) and be subject to a $100,000 fine.