Stronger Safety enforcement for Fireworks

Last updated: Dec 1, 2025

Mississauga City Council has voted to keep consumer fireworks legal on select holidays while adopting new restrictions to reduce noise, prevent injuries, and protect property. The decision was made at General Committee on October 15 and was welcomed by many members of the city’s Hindu community, who attended in large numbers to advocate for continued Diwali celebrations.

Beginning January 2, 2026, a revised fireworks by-law will take effect, bringing in new usage hours, sales regulations, product restrictions, and enhanced enforcement.

1. Fireworks Will Remain Permitted on Five Holidays

The updated by-law continues to allow consumer fireworks for personal use on:

• Lunar New Year

• Victoria Day

• Canada Day

• Diwali

• New Year’s Eve

After concerns were raised, council confirmed that no holiday would lose fireworks access, ensuring important cultural celebrations, including Diwali, can continue.

2. New Shortened Hours for Setting Off Fireworks

To reduce noise impacts and improve safety, fireworks can now only be used within the following windows:

Holiday Usage Hours (Effective 2026)

• Lunar New Year, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali:   6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  (Extended earlier from the originally proposed 8 p.m.–10 p.m. window after a successful amendment by Councillor Dipika Damerla.)

• New Year’s Eve:    11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Fireworks outside these windows will be prohibited and subject to enforcement.

3. New Restrictions on Products & Sales

To improve safety and reduce fire risks, the by-law introduces several new rules:

Product Restrictions

• Roman candles are banned.

• “Loud fireworks” will be limited; the city will define specific products following consultation with vendors.

Sales Restrictions

• Vendors must now log all inventory and sales data.

• Fireworks may not be sold on the holiday itself, in order to reduce last-minute purchases and improve enforcement.

Not all councillors agreed on banning day-of sales. Councillor Damerla opposed it, noting that Diwali is not a statutory holiday and residents may be inconvenienced, but the majority of council supported the restriction.

4. Public Displays Still Allowed – With a Permit

Organized fireworks displays will still be permitted only for:

• Community events

• Film productions

• Major cultural or civic occasions hosted by recognized organizations

No permits will be issued for private or individual fireworks shows.

5. Community Outreach & Education

Following the vote, local organizations, including the Canadian National Council of Hindus (CNCH), expressed support for educating the community about the new rules.

CNCH General Secretary Ruchi Wali noted the group will help:

• Visit community centers and cultural clubs

• Engage residents directly

• Clarify new restrictions once final definitions (such as “loud fireworks”) are confirmed

“This has to be a collaborative approach between the city and the community,” Wali said.

6. Background: A Highly Debated Issue

The by-law review was originally delayed at the October 1 meeting due to the absence of Councillor Matt Mahoney. Many residents expressed concern about the delay, saying it prolonged uncertainty and felt targeted toward cultural groups reliant on fireworks for celebration.

The October 15 vote provided clarity, with the final decision balancing cultural traditions, resident concerns, and public safety.

7. When the New Rules Take Effect

The revised by-law will take effect on:       January 2, 2026

This gives the City time to launch a $300,000 public education campaign as part of its 2026 budget, ensuring residents fully understand the new rules before the next fireworks season.