Check off before you set off: Rules for celebrating with fireworks in York Region's 9 municipalities

Thestar.com
June 29, 2021

Setting off fireworks as a family is commonly a great way to celebrate two national holidays in Canada -- Victoria Day and Canada Day.

Here are some important rules for fireworks in each York region community you need to check off before setting off fireworks:

AURORA

No person shall set off family fireworks except on Canada Day and the day preceding Canada Day and Victoria Day and the day preceding Victoria Day.

Family fireworks can only be set off between sunset and 11 p.m. on the designated days.

Fireworks can not be set off in any building or vehicle.

To set off fireworks, the handler must be 18 years old and up. If under age, they must be directly supervised and controlled by a person who is 18 or older, who shall at all times remain physically present in the immediate area where the fireworks are being set off.

No parent or guardian or any person less than 18 years old shall allow or permit an underage person to set off fireworks except under the direct supervision and control of a person who is 18 and up, who shall at all times remain physically present in the immediate area where the fireworks are being set off.

Family fireworks can not be set off in any town park, town-owned land, or in any other public place, without prior written approval from council.

You are responsible for maintaining fully operational fire extinguishing equipment, including portable fire extinguishers and a water supply, ready for immediate use and present at all times and for at least thirty (30) minutes after the setting off of fireworks has ended, at the location of the setting off of fireworks.

EAST GWILLIMBURY

Fireworks can only be set off on your own private property between sunset and 11 p.m. from June 29 to July 3. Fireworks are also permitted on Victoria Day.

You must be 18 years old to set off fireworks.

Permits are required for any firework displays outside of Canada Day and Victoria Day.

Setting off fireworks is not permitted on public property unless permission from the property owner is obtained.

For more information on the fireworks bylaw in East Gwillimbury, visit: Eastgwillimbury.ca/en/Emergency-and-Community-Safety-Services/Emergency-Services/By-law-2012-088-Regulate-Sale-and-Setting-Off-of-Fireworks-REPEALS-1998-084.pdf

GEORGINA

Residents are reminded they can set off fireworks without a licence on Victoria Day and Canada Day only, as well as the day before and after each of these holidays.

A licence is needed to set off fireworks on any other day of the year. Licences can be picked up at the Civic Centre or by calling 905-476-4301 to request an emailed application. Applications must be submitted in person. There is a $25 fee.

You can find the fireworks bylaw here: Georgina.ca/living-here/fire-and-emergency-services/fire-prevention-and-education/fireworks-safety

KING TOWNSHIP

The sale, use and display of fireworks are all governed and regulated by the fireworks bylaw.

Fireworks are only allowed for sale within King Township on Victoria Day or Canada Day and for a period of seven days prior to each.

Setting off fireworks on a residential family property is only allowed on Canada Day or Victoria day or the two days immediately preceding and following these days.

A permit is required for setting off display fireworks.

The town reminds residents to be considerate of their neighbours. Some children and animals are afraid of fireworks. Clean up any debris when finished.

The King fireworks bylaw can be found here: King.civicweb.net/document/47935

MARKHAM

You need a permit to use family fireworks in Markham. The fee costs $208.50. This fee is collected during the online application process with the city.

Family fireworks are low-hazard fireworks for recreation. These are often used at religious ceremonies, celebrations, and birthdays. They can include: fireworks showers, fountains, sparklers, pinwheels, roman candles and other similar fireworks. They do not include: Cherry bombs, flash crackers, firecrackers, thrown-down and step-on torpedoes, smoke bombs, table rockets, and other similar devices.

The user must have a working fire extinguisher ready when setting off fireworks.

You cannot set off fireworks on city property such as parks, roads and fields.

NEWMARKET

Fireworks are only permitted in Newmarket on Victoria Day and Canada Day or on the day immediately before or after Victoria Day and Canada Day.

Fireworks are not allowed on public property, including parks, streets and open fields/spaces. If you use fireworks at home, you must follow the rules and safety steps. Fines for improper use of fireworks in Newmarket start at $600 in accordance with the bylaw.

Before you set off fireworks, go through this checklist of rules and safety advice:

You are only permitted to use fireworks on your own property and only if the front of your property is a minimum of 18 metres (59 ft.) wide. If you are renting, you must have written permission from the homeowner to use fireworks.

Only use fireworks between dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.) and 11 p.m.

You must be 18 years of age or older to discharge fireworks.

More bylaw information in fireworks can be found here: Newmarket.ca/LivingHere/Town%20of%20Newmarket%20Bylaws/2015-18LicensingRegulatingtheSaleandSettingoffofFireworksBy-law.pdf

RICHMOND HILL

Fireworks can not be set off in the town except for Victoria Day, Canada Day, or the day before or after such designated dates, unless the person has applied for and been issued a discharged permit.

No one under 18 years old can handle and discharge fireworks.

Do not set off fireworks on land that is not owned by you, unless you have written permission from the owner.

When setting off fireworks, you must have a working fire extinguisher readily available.

For more information on Richmond Hill's fireworks bylaw, visit: Richmondhill.ca/en/shared-content/resources/documents/Community-Standards-By-laws/1041---Fireworks.pdf

VAUGHAN

Fireworks are only permitted to be set off on Victoria Day or Canada Day, without first having obtained a permit from the city.

Fireworks can not be set off in a location where the discharge, smoke, residue or fallout of the fireworks can land on another person's property, or another person, or that creates a nuisance, or that creates or may create an unsafe condition, danger from fire or risk or accident, injury or damage at or in respect of any place, location or site, or in respect of any person, property or thing.

More information soon the city's fireworks bylaw can be found here: Vaughan.ca/cityhall/by_laws/bylaws/142-2006.pdf

WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE

Fireworks can only be set off on Victoria Day or Canada Day, as well as two days immediately preceding or following those days.

To set off fireworks on any other day of the year, special permissions must be granted in writing by town council.

For more information on the town's fireworks bylaw, visit: Whitchurch.civicweb.net/document/110141

BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY

Residents of Bradford are only allowed to set off family fireworks on their own property and only on Victoria Day and Canada Day plus the two days before and two days after those dates.

Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire and Emergency Services suggests attending public fireworks displays hosted by a responsible organization, if possible.

Only adults should handle fireworks. Appoint one person to be in charge who knows the hazards and safety precautions.

More information on the town's fireworks bylaw can be found here: townofbwg.com/fireworks

More information: Safety Tips on how to handle fireworks

• Carefully read and follow the directions on the packaging.
• Set off fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never try to light a firework (or hold a lit firework) in your hand.
• Never relight “dud” fireworks. Wait 30 minutes, then soak them in a bucket of water.
• Never give sparklers to small children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns.
• Sparkler wires remain hot for several minutes after burnout, so soak them in water immediately to avoid injury.
• If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Watch the fireworks as they fall to the ground, and mark their locations so that you don't miss anything. If they fall into a neighbour's yard or on their roof, you are responsible for letting them know and retrieving them if necessary.
• Buy from a reliable source: steer clear of illegal explosives and never make your own. Only sparkler fireworks, fountain fireworks, roman candles and pinwheel fireworks are allowable for general consumer sale and use.
• Wear eye protection and never have any part of their body over the firework.
• Do not smoke while handling or near fireworks.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Always aim the fireworks away from people and buildings.