Fireworks By-Law

Council has requested that administration investigate additional community celebration dates using the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent app. Once the survey information is received, the results will be presented to Council so that Council may consider further by-law amendments.

Currently, consumer fireworks can only be ignited and set off at the following times:

1. Victoria Day and the three days immediately preceding and following Victoria Day;
2. Canada Day and the three days immediately preceding and following Canada Day;
3. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and
4. Such day as is proclaimed by Council for the Municipality as suitable for celebration with Fireworks.
5. Diwali – October 24th, 2022

Take Survey: Comments will be received until January 16, 2023, at 4:30 pm.

Fireworks Bylaw: Click to read the fireworks by-law.

Key information about Current Fireworks Bylaw

• Consumer Fireworks can only be discharged on the following dates:

• Victoria Day and the three days immediately preceding and following Victoria Day;
• Canada Day and the three days immediately preceding and following Canada Day;
• New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and
• Such day as is proclaimed by Council for the Municipality as suitable for celebration with Fireworks.

• Consumer Fireworks can only be discharged on private property by the owner or with the owner’s written permission.
• No Person shall set off or allow to be set off any Consumer Fireworks in such a place or in such a manner as might create danger to any Person or damage to any property.
• No Person under the age of eighteen (18) years shall set off or hold in their hand any Consumer Fireworks except under the direct supervision and control of a parent or other responsible adult.
• No Person shall possess, set off, or cause to be set off any Firecrackers, or Prohibited Fireworks.
• No Person shall set off Consumer Fireworks without having the means available to call emergency services.
• No Person being the parent or guardian of any person under the age of eighteen (18) years shall allow him or her to set off any Consumer Fireworks except when such parent or guardian or some other responsible person is in direct supervision and control.
• No Person shall ignite or set off any Consumer Fireworks on or onto any highway, street, lane, square or other Public Place. This provision shall not prohibit a Consumer Fireworks display in a public park or other Public Place, provided permission is obtained from the Municipality and there is compliance with all of Parts 5, 6 and 7 of this By-law.
• No Person shall set off any Consumer Fireworks in or into any building, doorway, automobile, or other place (such as the roof of a building) where such setting off might create danger to any Person or damage to property or that may create a nuisance.
• No Person shall set off Consumer Fireworks after the hour of 11:00 pm, (local time) without written approval from the Chief Fire Official.
• No Person shall:
  • (a) Sell any Fireworks without a Licence issued by the Municipality to do so, pursuant to this By-law. The holder of a Licence issued under the provisions of this By-law shall prominently display the License in the place of business where the Fireworks are being offered for sale and such Licence shall be produced to any Enforcement Officer upon request.
  • (b) Sell any Consumer Fireworks to any Person under the age of eighteen (18) years.
  • (c) Sell any Consumer Fireworks during a Fire Ban.
  • (d) Sell any Consumer Fireworks to any Person except on: i) the ten (10) days immediately preceding the day fixed by proclamation of the Governor-General for the observance of Victoria Day (hereinafter called “Victoria Day”).
  • Victoria Day;
  • The period between Victoria Day and Canada Day;
  • Canada Day;
  • The ten (10) days immediately preceding New Year’s Day;
  • New Year’s Day; and vii) such other day as is proclaimed by the Council for the Municipality as suitable for celebration with Fireworks.
  • (e) Sell any Prohibited Fireworks.
  • (f) Sell any Consumer Fireworks in a building unless the provisions of the Ontario Fire Code, the Explosives Act of Canada, this By-law and all other Acts and Regulations have been complied with.
  • (g) Offer for sale, cause to be sold, or sell Firecrackers.

Safety Messaging

• Only discharge fireworks outdoors in open spaces
• Only allow persons over the age of 18 and knowledgeable of fireworks to discharge them.
• Keep spectators and pets a safe distance away
• Ensure that fallout debris from fireworks does not fall on ignitable items, such as roof tops, tents, dry grass etc.
• Keep all flammable liquids away from the discharge and fallout areas.
• Discharge fireworks when weather conditions are suitable to do so.
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when Discharging (setting off) fireworks.
• Have an adequate size and type of fire extinguisher on hand.