The number of fireworks complaints over the Victoria Day long weekend in Brampton saw a significant drop compared to last year amid rowdy gatherings that led to more than a dozen arrests.

The City of Brampton says there were 17 complaints related to fireworks made from Saturday to Monday, for a 45 per cent decrease year-over-year.

No fines have been issued, but a city spokesperson says investigations into the reports “are still underway which may result in penalties under the fireworks by-law.”

Fireworks complaints on holidays and special events have been consistently dropping since the introduction of a city-wide ban in 2022, while ticketing and enforcement have gone up.

And while fireworks reports to the city were down this Victoria Day, Peel Regional police closed Chinguacousy Park on Sunday evening following dozens of complaints.

Police said people were shooting fireworks at each other in the park at the large and unsafe gathering, and a spokesperson says several warnings were issued. There was also a small fire started by the fireworks, which was extinguished by police.

Some people were escorted out of the park by police, and a total of 13 people between the ages of 17 and 25 have been arrested.

And in another incident, video showed a vehicle driving through a parking lot while the passenger and driver shoot fireworks at bystanders. Peel police said they are aware of the video and are investigating.

Victoria Day used to be one of only four dates every year where Brampton residents were allowed to set off fireworks without a permit, but now setting off any kind of explosive display could come with a maximum $100,000 fine.

Nearly all types of personal fireworks were banned in Brampton following particularly explosive Diwali celebrations in 2022 that saw more than 1,000 complaints filed to city hall.

The base fine for setting off fireworks in Brampton is $500, climbing up to $1,000 for anyone selling fireworks. Property owners who allow fireworks to be set off on their property can also be fined.

In some cases, the city says it can issue up to $100,000 in penalties with a required court appearance.

Sparklers – hand-held fireworks that burn slowly and give off bright sparks – are the only personal fireworks exempt from the ban, a change introduced ahead of Diwali in 2023 at the request of residents.


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