Fireworks
Fireworks are regulated according to the Explosives Act of Canada. They are considered a 'Class 7' explosive. In the County of Brant, you are allowed to discharge fireworks, however the display must follow the guidelines in the Explosives Act and the Fireworks Bylaw (PDF) .
Key guidelines in the bylaw include
- You must be over 18 years old to purchase or discharge fireworks
- Fireworks cannot be sold except on Victoria Day, Canada Day and six calendar days before these holidays
- Family fireworks cannot be discharged except on Victoria Day, Canada Day or seven days before and seven days after these holidays (unless you get a permit from the Chief Fire Official before discharging fireworks)
- Fireworks cannot be discharged on county land without permission
- Exhibition fireworks cannot be discharged without a permit from the Chief Fire Official
Firework types
Family fireworks
Family fireworks are "low hazard fireworks". These include fireworks showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pin wheels, roman candles and volcanoes.
These can be discharged without a permit during the holiday periods that are listed in the Fireworks Bylaw:
Exhibition fireworks
Exhibition fireworks are "high hazard fireworks". These include rockets, serpents, shells, bombshells, tourbillions, maroons, large wheels, bouquets, barrages, bombardos, waterfalls, fountains, batteries, illumination, set pieces and pigeons.
They also include what the Explosives Act calls "high hazard fireworks generally having a practical use". These include large distress signals, sound, pyrotechnic and smoke signals, railway track signals, distress and line-throwing rockets, salutes, theatrical effects and wildlife control devices.
A permit is required to discharge exhibition fireworks. To apply for a special events permit, please visit the County of Brant Fire Department website.
Fireworks safety
To keep you and your loved ones safe, please ensure:
- The fallout or debris from the fireworks lands your own property and if you are not the owner, you must have written permission from the property owner to do so
- The weather is appropriate before discharging fireworks and do not use in windy conditions
- You understand the manufacturer's safety instructions for each individual firework before discharging
- You choose a wide, clear site away from all obstacles and combustibles
- You are ready to extinguish a fire quickly. Have a bucket of water and/or fire extinguisher ready
- After discharge, ensure the fireworks, casings, or other debris, are completely extinguished so not to create a fire hazard
- Wait at least 30 minutes before approaching a firework that did not go off
- Never try to relight a firework that did not go off and never try to fix a firework that is defective
View the full Fireworks Bylaw (PDF)