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 but the display must follow the guidelines in the Explosives Act as well as our fireworks bylaw.
See the full fireworks bylaw.
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 full 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 at any time.
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. 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. Never try to fix a firework that is defective.
Special Events Permit:
To apply for a special events permit and/or permits for discharging fireworks, contact the Fire Department.
Contact Us