Kitchener and Waterloo ban fireworks sales as complaints skyrocket

Kitchener and Waterloo are cracking down on fireworks sales after both cities saw a sharp increase in firework-related complaints.

Starting next year, residents in those cities will have to buy their fireworks elsewhere. On May 5, both city councils passed a ban on fireworks sales along with increased fines and time restrictions in an effort to crackdown on misuse.

According to the City of Kitchener, staff responded to 314 firework-related calls in 2024. That's up from 186 in 2023 and 170 in 2022. The City of Waterloo responded to 104 firework-related calls last year. Up from 66 in 2023 according to the city. 

Last year Waterloo regional police charged a teenage boy who shot fireworks into a crowd at Victoria Day celebrations in Kitchener's Victoria Park. 

Just over a month later, Waterloo Coun. Julie Wright said she was intentionally hit in the face by a firework while leaving a Canada Day celebration in Waterloo Park. 

In the council meeting on May 5, there was debate over whether a total ban on sales would actually solve the problem.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said that while there are some "rogue actors," he believes the ban is "government overreach."

"I'm not convinced that simply restricting the sale locally is going to stop that bad behaviour," he said.  "We need to take strong action and punish those who are doing wrong, but I think it's not proper to punish good, responsible residents."

Vrbanovic said he also worries the ban could weaken the public's trust in municipal authorities. 

"If people don't see a change, then people's trust of the rule of law and the fundamental systems our democratic society is based on starts being called into question," he said. 

'We are being punished'

Bob Gill, who runs PyroBobs Fireworks in Kitchener, told CBC News the ban is unfair to local vendors. 

"I do feel like we are being punished for other people's actions only because people aren't following the rules," he said. "If everyone just followed the bylaws we could all get along and enjoy these special occasions."

Sat Saran, who works at Phatboy Fireworks in Waterloo, doesn't believe the ban will be effective. 

"People are still going to end up buying them somewhere. If they start the ban of sales, people will end up getting them on the black market," he said. 

Saran also stressed the need for stronger enforcement of existing firework laws.

"What we can do is have stricter penalties for those people who don't obey the rules," he said. 

LISTEN| Kitchener and Waterloo will ban sale of fireworks next year: 

The Morning Edition - K-W8:09Kitchener and Waterloo will ban sale of fireworks next year. Vendors and residents share their thoughts

The cities of Kitchener and Waterloo are cracking down on fireworks sales. Starting next year, vendors will no longer be able to sell fireworks in either city. The number of days and hours that fireworks can be set off have also been reduced. CBC K-W's Diego Pizarro spoke with some firework vendors to hear their thoughts while CBC K-W’s Josette Lafleur hit the streets to find out how the community feels.

The ban goes into effect in both cities starting in January of 2026. Fireworks displays are only permitted during specific hours on Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Diwali. Setting off fireworks outside the permitted time period could lead to a minimum fine of $1,500.

Below is full list of the different rules around the personal use of fireworks depending on where you live:

• Cambridge: Private fireworks displays are permitted until 11:59 p.m. on Victoria Day, Canada Day and Diwali. In the case of inclement weather, people are allowed to set off fireworks on any day within two days after those holidays.
• Kitchener: Council recently amended the city's bylaw to only permit personal firework displays on three holidays: Victoria Day, Canada Day and Diwali. Fireworks can only be set off on privately owned property between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day, and between 8 and 10 p.m. on Diwali.
• Waterloo: Personal fireworks are permitted between dusk and 11 p.m. on Victoria Day, Canada Day, Lunar New Year and Diwali as well as the day immediately before and after each of those holidays.
• North Dumfries Township: Private fireworks are permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day, as well as one day before and after those two holidays. All fireworks displays must be completed no later than 10:15 p.m. 
• Wellesley Township: Low-hazard fireworks are allowed on Victoria Day, Civic Holiday and Labour Day on any of the three days during those long weekends. They can also be set off on Canada Day, as well as on the day before and after.
• Wilmot Township: Fireworks are permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day, as well as the days immediately before and after those holidays.
• Woolwich Township: Private fireworks displays are permitted using consumer fireworks.
• Guelph: Fireworks are permitted the day before and on the day of Victoria Day and Canada Day. They're also allowed on Diwali and other religious events as approved by the Guelph Fire Department. They can be set off between 9 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.
• Guelph/Eramosa Township: Does not currently have a fireworks bylaw, but the township's website says the fire department "does not recommend family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays. Public firework displays hosted by a responsible organization are a safer alternative."
• Centre Wellington Township: Fireworks are permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day.
• Brant County: Recently changed its bylaw so family fireworks can only be set off on Victoria Day and Canada Day, as well as the three days before and three days after those holidays. Outside those days, the fire chief needs to approve a permit. 

People who are caught not following the bylaw of their municipality around private fireworks displays can be given a ticket. Some of the bylaws say how much it could be for, such as North Dumfries which says fines can range up to $5,000. Others, like Wellesley, say the fine is determined upon conviction.