Keep Canada Day fun and safe: Follow these fireworks rules

Summer is here, and many of us are looking forward to celebrating Canada Day. Whether you’re heading out to watch fireworks, spending time outdoors, or gathering with friends and family, it’s a time to relax and enjoy. It’s also a reminder that our celebrations can affect neighbours, pets and the community.   

Following City rules helps reduce the risk of fires and injuries. It also reduces noise, parking issues and helps first responders focus on real emergencies, keeping neighbourhoods safe and welcoming for everyone.  

Fireworks for Canada Day 

The City of Mississauga is reminding residents to follow the Fireworks By-law, related rules and other safety measures when using fireworks at home. These rules help reduce injuries, prevent property damage and protect neighbours, pets and wildlife.  

In 2025, Council voted to amend the Fireworks By-law to improve community safety and reduce the negative impacts of fireworks. These changes help prevent unsafe use and make the rules easier to enforce. They include:  

• Prohibiting the use, sale, distribution and possession of roman candle fireworks. 
• Restricting the sale of fireworks to only 10 days leading up to the holiday, not including the day of. 
• No longer allowing permits for consumer fireworks; only permits for display or professional fireworks will be approved.  

Where you cannot use consumer fireworks has not changed. Fireworks are not allowed in parks, parking lots, streets, sidewalks, or property you don’t own. These restrictions help keep people and property safe in public spaces and neighbourhoods.   

Remember to be respectful of your neighbours and follow all by-law requirements. Fireworks must be used responsibly and never aimed, thrown or directed at people, animals, buildings or vehicles. Shooting fireworks at others is dangerous and illegal and can cause serious injury or damage property. Making safety part of your plan helps ensure celebrations remain fun, not harmful.    

Once fireworks are used, fully soak both used and unused fireworks, including sparklers, in water overnight. Place then in your garbage the next day.

When submitting a fireworks complaint, refrain from calling 911 unless someone is injured or there is an immediate fire risk. Using the right reporting option helps keep emergency lines open for urgent calls. To report illegal use of fireworks and to learn more about fireworks rules, visit mississauga.ca/fireworks or call 311. 

Fire safety during Canada Day 

Stay safe while barbecuing (BBQ) or cooking outdoors 

Outdoor cooking is a popular way to celebrate, but it’s also a common source of fires. Taking a few precautions can prevent injuries and property damage:  

• Never leave a barbecue unattended. 
• Never cook or barbecue in your garage. 
• Keep your barbecue away from fences and buildings. 
• Clean your grill after each use. 

Review the City’s BBQ safety guide for more tips. 

Follow rules for open air burning 

You can enjoy your outdoor fireplace, fire pit or smokehouse without a permit between sunrise and 11 p.m., as long as you follow the Open Air Burning By-law. These rules help prevent fires from spreading and reduce smoke complaints. You must: 

• Ensure smoke and smell do not cause a nuisance.  
• Never leave a fire unattended until it is extinguished. 
• Keep fires at least five metres away from buildings, structures, property lines, trees, fences, roadways, or anything that could catch fire. 

Always keep a fire extinguisher or hose nearby when barbecuing or using an outdoor fire.

Learn more about fire safety.

Parking, park etiquette, and being a good neighbour 

On-street parking on Canada Day 

On-street parking is allowed beyond the five-hour limit on Canada Day, from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.  

All other parking rules still apply. Do not park where ‘no parking’ signs are posted or block sidewalks, fire routes, bike lanes or driveways. Parking properly helps keep roads clear so emergency vehicles can get through.   

Be a good neighbour 

Celebrations can be lively, but excessive noise can impact nearby residents. Follow the Noise Control By-law to avoid complaints or fines. Noise that may disturb neighbours should be kept down: 

• Monday to Saturday: 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 
• Saturday night to Sunday morning: 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. 

Being mindful of noise and gathering responsibly helps maintain positive relationships in your community.  

Parking in parks 

Heading to the lakefront or any of Mississauga’s parks? Only park in designated areas when visiting parks. Illegally parked vehicles can block access for emergency services and create safety risks.  

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

Park etiquette  

Following park rules when visiting one of Mississauga’s parks helps protect shared spaces and ensures everyone can enjoy them: 

• Dispose of litter properly. 
• Pick up after your dog and keep pets leashed. 
• Do not feed wildlife. 
• Barbecue only in designated areas. 
• Dispose of hot coals properly in the designated bins. 

This Canada Day, being a good neighbour and following City rules helps everyone enjoy the holiday safely. Thank you for your cooperation and for showing respect to City staff working to support a fun and safe Canada Day for all.  

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• Enforcement and Fines
• Fire and Emergency Services
• Public Safety