Fireworks

The Fireworks by-law 59-2014 regulates the use and sale of fireworks in Oshawa.

Under the Fireworks By-law, community members can discharge consumer (family) fireworks on their private property without a permit, between dusk and 11 p.m., on the following days:

Victoria Day
Canada Day
The celebration known as Diwali Day

The discharge of consumer (family) fireworks is not allowed:

On any day other than the days stated above
On any private property, that is not your own without obtaining the written authorization of the legal owner of the property, including into, in or on any highway, street, lane, square, public park or other public places.

Types of fireworks

Consumer (family) fireworks

Are low hazard and designed for recreational use
They include items like showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pinwheels, and roman candles
Under the Fireworks By-law, you are allowed to discharge consumer (family) fireworks on your own private property without a permit, between dusk and 11 p.m., on the following days:
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- The celebration known as Diwali Day
You are NOT allowed to discharge consumer (family) fireworks:
- On any day other than the days stated above
- On any private property, that is not your own without obtaining the written authorization of the legal owner of the property, including into, in or on any highway, street, lane, square, public park or other public places

Display fireworks and special effect pyrotechnics

Are high hazard and designed for professional use
They include items like rockets, serpents, shells, bombshells, tourbillons, maroons, large wheel, bouquets, barrages, bombardos, waterfalls, batteries, illumination, set pieces and pigeons as well as special-purpose pyrotechnics made for live stage performances and the film and television industry
They can only be discharged by a licensed professional
A Fireworks Discharge Permit is always required to discharge display fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects on any day (including the statutory holidays known as Victoria Day, Canada Day and the celebration known as Diwali Day). Please email completed application to Service Oshawa at [email protected].

Firework sale permits

Sales of consumer (family) fireworks from a temporary sales unit

The Fireworks By-law 59-2014 regulates the sale of consumer (family) fireworks in Oshawa.

How to apply

Email the application for a Consumer (Family) Fireworks Temporary Sales Permit to Service Oshawa at [email protected]

Fees

Fees for permits follow the General Fees and Charges By-law 13-2003

Make a complaint - vendor selling fireworks without a permit

You can make a complaint about a vendor selling fireworks without a permit by contacting Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311

Discharge of display fireworks

The Fireworks By-law 59-2014 regulates the use of display fireworks in Oshawa.

A Fireworks Discharge Permit is always required to discharge display fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects on any day (including the statutory holidays known as Victoria Day, Canada Day and the celebration known as Diwali Day).

As defined under the Explosives Act, display fireworks are high hazard fireworks generally used for recreation. Examples include rockets, serpents, shells, bombshells, tourbillons, maroons, large wheel, bouquets, barrages, bombardos, waterfalls, batteries, illumination, set pieces and pigeons.

City park rentals

The City of Oshawa has parks available to rent for your next special event featuring a fireworks display.

The Facility Booking Office will provide rental fees, insurance and display Fireworks Discharge Permit requirements to assist community members with rental requests for an outdoor park.

Please note:

Park users are NOT allowed to discharge consumer (family) fireworks on any day in a City park
City park rentals for special events with display fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects:
- A Fireworks Discharge Permit is always required to discharge display fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects on any day (including the statutory holidays known as Victoria Day, Canada Day and the celebration known as Diwali Day)
- Display fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects can only be discharged by a licensed professional

For more information, contact the Facility Booking Office at 905-436-3888.

Firework Safety

How to correctly and safely dispose of fireworks

Improper disposal of fireworks can cause fires in waste collection vehicles and at facilities. Never put used or unused fireworks in the Blue Bin (recycling).

Learn how to correctly dispose of fireworks using the Know Before You Throw. Just type the name of a waste item such as “used fireworks” or “unused fireworks” into the Search field and the tool will tell you how to dispose of it.

Firework safety reminders

You must be 18 years of age to possess or discharge fireworks
Appoint a responsible person to be in charge. Only adults aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks
Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging
Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks
Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass
Keep onlookers a safe distance, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged
Light one firework at a time, and only when located on the ground
Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks. For dud fireworks, it is best to wait 30 minutes and soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal container
Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard
Keep sparklers away from children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, causing blindness and severe burns. The sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout. It should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury
If someone is burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and, if necessary, seek medical attention

Make a complaint about unsafe or inappropriate use/discharge of fireworks

For emergencies only, call 9-1-1

For non-emergencies

Make a by-law complaint about unsafe and inappropriate use/discharge of fireworks by contacting Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311.

After business hours

Contact Service Oshawa by calling 905-436-3311 and following the voice prompt for by-law to leave a message with the required information.