From fireworks to outdoor cookouts, celebrate safely this long weekend

The official start to summer may still be a few days away, but with the longer and warmer days we’re enjoying, many will use this upcoming long weekend to celebrate the arrival of summer. This might include planting in your garden, heading to a park or patio, or spending time with friends and family. As we welcome the warmer months, it’s important to be a good neighbour and keep safety in mind so that everyone can enjoy the weekend safely.

Fireworks

Fireworks for Victoria Day are allowed at home on your private property only on Monday, May 19 from dusk until 11 p.m. Fireworks are not permitted on Saturday, May 17 or Sunday, May 18, unless you have a permit from the City. The use of fireworks on a public street is not allowed and you must have a permit from the City to use fireworks in a City park. If there is rain on Monday, May 19 that prevents the use of fireworks, fireworks will be allowed on Tuesday, May 20.

To safely dispose of used or unused fireworks, completely submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag and throw them in the garbage.

During the long weekend, the City will increase the number of Enforcement officers on duty to allow for more patrols, improve response time for complaints and help ensure celebrations stay safe.

To submit a complaint about illegal use of fireworks, visit
mississauga.ca/fireworks or call 311. Please do not call 911 for fireworks complaints.

Fire safety

Attending or hosting an outdoor cookout or barbecue? Make fire safety a priority:

• Never leave a barbeque unattended.
• Never cook or barbecue in your garage.
• Keep your barbeque away from fences and buildings.
• Clean your grill after each use.
• Review the City’s BBQ safety guide for more tips.

You can also enjoy your outdoor fireplace, fire pit or smokehouse without a permit between sunrise and 11 p.m. as long as you follow the rules of the City’s Open Air Burning By-law. You must:

• Ensure your fire is located at least five metres away from any building, structure, property line, tree, fence, roadway, or anything that could catch fire.
• Make sure the smoke and smell from your fire doesn’t cause a nuisance.
• Never leave the fire unattended until it is extinguished.

Whether you’re barbequing or enjoying an outdoor fire, always make sure to have a fire extinguisher or hose nearby.

Parking and park etiquette

Having people over on Monday, May 19? On-street parking is allowed on Victoria Day, beyond the five-hour limit, from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Heading to the lakefront or any of Mississauga’s parks? Only park in designated areas within parks and neighbourhoods. Illegally parked vehicles not only compromise neighbourhood safety but also make it difficult for emergency service vehicles to access the area.

Parking illegally can also result in a fine. Until Tuesday, September 30, parking and stopping violations will incur a fine of $100 or more on local roads, in City parks and municipal parking lots south of Lakeshore Road.

When visiting Mississauga’s parks, it’s also important to follow park etiquette. Please throw out your litter in the correct container, always pick up after your dog and keep them leashed, don’t feed wildlife, barbecue in designated areas only and dispose of hot coals properly in the designated bins.

This long weekend, remember to be a good neighbour. Be kind to each other, and please be respectful of City staff who will be working hard to ensure you and those around you have a fun and safe long weekend.

Tags

• Enforcement and Fines
• Fire and Emergency Services