Kitchener could ban the sale of fireworks, increase fines to up-to $1,500

Firework displays in Kitchener could fizzle out as the city plans to tighten rules and regulations.

The City of Kitchener Community and Infrastructure Services Committee will discuss recommendations made by staff and the results of a fireworks survey on Monday.

A number of incidents involving fireworks on holidays in 2024 sparked controversy and a debate in the court of public opinion.

On Victoria Day in 2024, fireworks were shot into crowds of people, officers, and moving vehicles. Then, on Canada Day, regional police used pepper spray to disperse crowds after fireworks were once again shot into crowds and at children.

Later that same year, at the end of October, bylaw received more than 360 calls with fireworks-related complaints on Diwali.

Nearly 4,000 Kitchener residents shared their opinions on fireworks in a survey circulated by the city earlier this year.

Of those who responded to the survey, nearly 75 per cent say they don’t attend fireworks displays and would be in favour of banning fireworks altogether.

In response, the city is considering banning the sale of fireworks at the beginning of 2026, giving the retailers who do sell fireworks time to offload their remaining stock.

The city could also limit displays to 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Canada Day and Victoria Day, and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Diwali and increase fines for breaking those rules to up to $1,500.

At this time, the city is not opting for a total ban on fireworks, though several municipalities, like Milton and Brampton, have opted to go down that route.

A process will remain in place to give those who apply an exemption to this bylaw. Just last month, a Kitchener committee gave a local couple permission to wrap up their wedding with a Disney-like fireworks display.