Fireworks By-law will be enforced Victoria Day weekend

To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday, the City reminds anyone planning to use fireworks over the Victoria Day weekend to do so in a safe and courteous manner and to comply with the City’s Fireworks By-law.

The Fireworks By-law outlines the rules around fireworks use.

The City recommends that you not attempt family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays, but rather plan to attend fireworks displays hosted by municipalities and operated by professionals who are trained to handle and discharge fireworks safely.

Consumer fireworks may be discharged on the day of, day before or the day after Victoria Day — Monday, May 18. They must be discharged by someone 18 or older, and on private property, with permission of the property owner. Minimum safety distances as indicated on the fireworks product must be maintained from spectators, buildings and vehicles. The fireworks display must not cause danger or nuisance to any person or property.

The sale of consumer fireworks, except on Victoria Day and the seven business days immediately preceding Victoria Day, is prohibited in the City of Ottawa.

Display fireworks, such as those on Parliament Hill, and smaller-scale versions at public parks on holiday weekends, may only be discharged by someone over 18 who holds a permit issued by the Ottawa Fire Chief. Applications for these permits must be submitted 30 days before the intended display.

Firecrackers are prohibited from being used or sold in the City of Ottawa or Province of Ontario. Anyone selling, purchasing or using firecrackers within the City of Ottawa is in violation of the Fireworks By-law as well as provincial law.

Please review Ottawa’s Fireworks By-law on ottawa.ca for further details. Violations of the Fireworks By-law may be reported to 3-1-1.