City of Mississauga seeking public input for fireworks by-laws

The City of Mississauga wants the public’s say as it reviews a fireworks by-law that could lead to harsher regulations and fines.

City officials say responses will inform recommendations for potential changes to several fireworks-related topics, including increasing regulations on fireworks in Mississauga, increasing fines for illegal fireworks and increasing enforcement of the fireworks by-law.

Last month, Mississauga councillor Carolyn Parrish said she wanted the city to consider stricter by-laws governing the sale of fireworks, restrictions on the type of fireworks people can buy, and to clarify when they can be set off. The City of Oshawa is also actively assessing a motion concerning fireworks.

The motion in Mississauga responded to a rising number of complaints, especially during Diwali, Canada Day and Victoria Day.

Mississauga residents can vote in an online survey until March 20 or attend one of two virtual public meetings scheduled for March 2 and March 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

In late November, Brampton councillors approved a recommendation for a ban following public scrutiny, meaning residents will no longer be allowed to purchase, sell, set off, or possess personal fireworks.

Under an amended by-law, the fine for discharging fireworks in Brampton would increase to a minimum of $500. The penalty for selling or offering to sell fireworks would rise to a minimum of $1,000.

The City of Brampton said officials received 1,491 calls in 2022 concerning the use of fireworks, up from 492 in 2018.