Tri-cities to consider aligning on fireworks limits, bans

Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge are considering a ban on the sale of fireworks, further limiting when they can be used and increasing fines for those found breaking the rules.

In April, a Kitchener committee agreed that fireworks should be banned starting in January 2026, and fines related to misuse should be increased by more than three times. This motion is yet to come before council.

The City of Waterloo is set to consider a similar ban and fine increase at a council meeting on Monday.

This string of events was brought on by a significant increase in fireworks-related complaints, and a number of dangerous incidents at Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Diwali celebrations in 2024.

On Victoria Day, fireworks were shot at officers and groups of people, and on Canada Day, a Waterloo councillor, Julie Wright, was struck in the face with a firework after a confrontation with a man in Victoria Park.

Staff at the City of Waterloo are recommending a ban on the sale of fireworks starting next year, and fines for first-time offenders be increased from $400 to $1,000. Repeat offenders could receive up to a $2,000 fine.

The City of Cambridge could look to follow suit in the following months as well, with its staff saying that after extensive discussions with neighbouring municipalities, it’ll look to align its fireworks bylaws with those of Kitchener and Waterloo.

The Township of North Dumfries is not considering a ban on fireworks, according to Mayor Sue Foxton.

In fact, fireworks aren’t currently sold in North Dumfries.

“If we did sell fireworks in the township, its not like we have a ton of people looking to come in to sell them,” said Foxton. “I don’t see it as an issue.”

Fireworks limits and bans are already in place in Brampton, Caledon, and Milton.