Can firecrackers be sold or discharged?

Firecrackers are not considered consumer or family fireworks and cannot be sold or discharged, except for display as permitted by the Chief Fire Official. A permit must be obtained to do so by the Chief Fire Official.

Is there a by-law regulating the sale and use of fireworks?

Yes there is By-Law Number 136-2004 regulating the sale and use of consumer, display fireworks and pyrotechnics.

What are "firecrackers"?

Firecrackers are prohibited.

What are consumer fireworks?

“Consumer fireworks” means an outdoor, low hazard recreational firework that is classified as a Subdivision 1 of Division 2 of Class 7 Fireworks under the Act, and includes fireworks showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pin wheels, Roman candles, volcanoes, and sparklers but does not include Christmas crackers and caps for toy guns containing not in excess of twenty-five one-hundredths of a grain of explosive used per cap.

What are the penalties for persons who contravene the provisions of this by-law?

Every person who is convicted of an offence under this by-law is liable to a fine as provided for in the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990 Chapter P.33.

What does "The Act" mean?

“Act” means the Explosives Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter E-17, and the Regulations enacted thereunder as amended from time to time or any Act and Regulation enacted in substitution therefore.

Who can discharge consumer fireworks?

No person under the age of eighteen (18) years shall discharge any consumer fireworks except under the direct supervision of and control of a person eighteen (18) years of age or over.

No person being the parent or guardian of any person under the age of eighteen (18) years shall allow the person to discharge any consumer fireworks except when such parent or guardian or some other responsible person of eighteen (18) years of age or over is in direct supervision and control.

Who is the Chief Fire Official?

“Chief Fire Official” means the Chief of Windsor Fire and Rescue Services or their designate(s).

When are where can consumer fireworks be discharged?

No person shall discharge consumer fireworks except on the following days:

  1. Victoria Day, or the day immediately preceding or following Victoria Day;
  2. The day preceding Canada Day and the following days up to and including the Fourth of July; and
  3. New Year’s Eve

A person eighteen (18) years of age or older may hold a display of consumer fireworks on any land belonging to him or her or on any other privately owned land where the owner thereof has given permission for such a display or discharge of fireworks.

No person shall discharge any consumer fireworks in such a manner as might create danger or constitute a nuisance to any person or property, or to do or cause or allow any unsafe act or omission at the time and place for the discharging of any fireworks.

No person shall discharge any consumer fireworks in or into any building, doorway, or automobile.

No person shall discharge any consumer fireworks in or on or into any highway, street, lane, square or other public place.

When are consumer fireworks legally for sale?

  1. Victoria Day, Canada Day, the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, and
  2. each of the ten business days immediately preceding Victoria Day and the Fourth of July, and the seven business days preceding New Year’s Eve.

Where can consumer fireworks be sold?

Consumer fireworks can be sold using the following guidelines:

  1. They must be sold in the appropriate zoning area.
  2. They cannot be sold on the public right of way.

Where can I obtain a copy of By-law 136-2004?

You may obtain a copy of By-law 136-2004 by contacting Windsor Fire and Rescue, Fire Prevention Services at 519-253-6573 or click the button below to view and download By-law 136-2004 (PDF).

Click to view and download the 136-2004 Fireworks By-law (PDF)