Mississauga moves one step closer to imposing a full ban on fireworks

Diwali fireworks are seen in this undated file photo.

Fireworks could soon be completely off limits in the City of Mississauga.

On Wednesday, City Council’s general committee considered an updated staff report that recommends a ban on consumer fireworks or those used by the public for outdoor enjoyment across the municipality.

Prepared by Raj Sheth, the city’s commissioner of community services, it calls for a “full prohibition on the sale, distribution, possession and use of consumer fireworks in Mississauga,” adding that failing to do so could “unintentionally encourage greater fireworks use in Mississauga, resulting in additional enforcement pressures, increased safety risks and avoidable neighbourhood disturbances.”

Brampton, Milton, and Caledon have already imposed a full fireworks ban, while Toronto, Hamilton, and Burlington only permit people to set them off on Canada Day and Victoria Day.

Currently, Mississauga allows residents to set off fireworks in their backyard without a city permit on five holidays: Diwali, New Year’s Eve/Day, Lunar New Year, Victoria Day, and Canada Day. Those who disobey the rules could face fines of to $200,000.

This action comes in response to a spike in the number of fireworks complaints in Mississauga, notably in regards to public safety and the use of fireworks outside the permitted days and times, over the last three years. Last year, the municipality received just over 600 fireworks-related complaints, compared to 180 in 2022.

Bylaw enforcement is also a challenge, Sheth noted in his report, which found that last year alone the city paid $60,000 to attempt to stop people from illegally setting off fireworks.

Mississauga councillors first began considering changes to the city’s fireworks bylaw, which was most recently strengthened in the fall of 2023, almost a year ago. The city, in the meantime, undertook a public consultation and review.

More than two dozen deputants spoke during Wednesday’s meeting, including several representatives from Hindu groups who are opposing the proposed ban, many saying it would infringe on their religious freedoms.

If passed, Mississauga’s new fireworks bylaw, which would also include higher fines, could come into effect on Jan. 2, 2026.

Councillors are set to vote on the matter on Oct. 15.