Diwali fireworks rules vary across the GTA: what residents need to know before lighting up
Brampton has a blanket ban, Mississauga allows family fireworks on private property, and Toronto requires a permit. Check your city before the holiday.
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Thousands of people across the Greater Toronto Area will be celebrating Diwali this weekend, the five-day festival of lights observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists, running Nov. 6 to Nov. 11. Fireworks are part of many celebrations, but the rules differ sharply from one municipality to the next, so residents should check their city before lighting anything.
Brampton has a blanket ban on fireworks, including the consumer fireworks typically used in backyards. That covers use, sale, purchase, possession, distribution and discharge. Sparklers are permitted, but family fireworks are not. The city is encouraging residents to attend its organized Diwali celebrations instead. Brampton mayor Patrick Brown said the city will have "the biggest fireworks show in Canada" and is offering free transit to the location from several spots in the city. Violations can bring a summons to court, with fines ranging from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $100,000.
Mississauga residents can set off family fireworks on their own private property on Diwali, Nov. 8, between 6 p.m. And 10 p.m. Fireworks are banned on roads, sidewalks, parking lots and other public property. Buyers must purchase from licensed sellers and be at least 18. Illegal fireworks can be reported by calling 311 or filing a complaint online.
In Toronto, residents cannot set off consumer fireworks without a permit on Diwali. A permit costs $226.37 and must be applied for at least 10 business days before the planned display. Once issued, fireworks can be discharged until 11 p.m. Fireworks are also prohibited in public parks, beaches, streets and parking lots, and on balconies or private property belonging to someone else.
Markham requires a permit for family fireworks on Diwali, with exemptions only on Victoria Day, Canada Day and the day before each. Family fireworks may only be used on private property with the homeowner's consent, and are banned on city property, including parks, fields and roads.
