With Diwali approaching, Brampton is preparing to enforce its strict rules on fireworks, which prohibit residents from setting them off, possessing them or buying and selling them within the city.

Violating the rules can carry a fine of at least $500 for people caught discharging or possessing fireworks without a permit, while selling, distributing or offering fireworks for sale can result in a $1,000 penalty. In some cases, offenders can be taken to court, where fines can reach $100,000.

Although the restrictions are not new, fireworks remain an enforcement challenge during major celebrations. During a six-day enforcement period around Diwali last year, the City of Brampton received 1,713 service requests related to fireworks or excessive noise and issued 96 penalty notices worth a total of $48,000. Another 11 warnings were issued, according to a city staff report.

More than half of the fireworks and noise-related service requests did not contain actionable information that would support enforcement, the report noted.

To address the problem, the city carried out 109 intelligence-led patrols targeting streets identified as hotspots based on previous complaint data, along with 27 fireworks-specific patrols prompted by real-time observations and emerging trends. Parks personnel conducted 386 proactive patrols, while 47 patrols took place on school properties.

Brampton has faced fireworks complaints for years. In 2022, city officials moved to prohibit personal fireworks after reports increased significantly. Previously, residents could set off short-range fireworks on private property without a permit on certain holidays, including Diwali, Victoria Day, Canada Day and New Year’s Eve.

City officials reported receiving 1,491 fireworks-related calls in 2022, compared with 492 in 2018. Residents had raised concerns about safety, excessive noise and debris left behind after celebrations.

The amended bylaw took effect in December 2022, prohibiting the use, purchase, discharge, possession, sale and offering for sale of fireworks. Permits are now limited to approved purposes, such as film productions and city-organized events.

According to the city, the ban is intended to reduce the risk of fires, injuries and property damage, while also addressing air pollution, debris, excessive noise and impacts on animal habitats.

Enforcement officers respond to complaints by investigating the reported location and attempting to identify those responsible for possessing or setting off fireworks. Additional resources are deployed during holidays and major celebrations.

Gathering enough evidence to issue penalties can be difficult. A complaint does not automatically result in a ticket, and reports that lack a specific location, information about those involved, or other useful details can make enforcement more challenging.

Property owners should also be aware that they can face consequences when fireworks are set off on their land. Under the city’s rules, an owner may be deemed to have permitted or allowed the activity and could face a $500 penalty.

Sparklers are permitted under the bylaw, although other fireworks commonly used in home celebrations are prohibited.

Residents can still enjoy fireworks at approved city-led events. Brampton’s annual Diwali Mela is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, at Sesquicentennial Park, with an official fireworks display planned from 7:30 to 7:45 p.m., followed by a drone show.

The city encourages residents to attend its organized celebration rather than setting off fireworks at home.

Anyone who witnesses a suspected fireworks violation can contact Service Brampton by calling 311 within city limits or 905-874-2000 from outside the city. Service requests can also be submitted through the city’s 311 website or app.

More information about the rules and penalties is available at brampton.ca/fireworks.


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