This weekend thousands of people across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) will be gathering for Diwali celebrations. The five-day Hindu festival — which is also observed by Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists — is marked with lots of colourful lights, delicious treats and, of course, fireworks.
But the rules around fireworks vary considerably across the GTA, so residents planning to light up the night sky should first check what their municipality permits.
While some cities allow family fireworks during designated holiday hours, others require permits for Diwali, or prohibit fireworks altogether.
Here is a city-by-city breakdown for the coming festival of light:
Brampton: Fireworks banned, including on Diwali
Brampton has a blanket ban on fireworks, including consumer fireworks typically used for backyard celebrations. This includes the use, sale, purchase, possession, distribution and discharge of fireworks.
Sparklers are permitted, but residents cannot set off family fireworks in their backyards. The city instead encourages residents to attend city-organized Diwali celebrations.
“We will have the biggest fireworks show in Canada,” said Brampton mayor Patrick Brown.
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“We have some incredible performers, we have free transit to the location from multiple spots in Brampton and it’s going to be a sea of people enjoying Diwali together.”
The city may also, at its discretion, issue a summons requiring an individual to attend court, where fines could range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $100,000.
Mississauga: Fireworks allowed between 6 and 10 p.m.
Mississauga residents can set off family fireworks on their own private property on Diwali, Nov. 8, between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Fireworks are prohibited on roads, sidewalks, parking lots and other public property. Residents wishing to set off fireworks on another day or hold a display in a city park or public place have to obtain a permit.
Many people across the Greater Toronto Area will celebrate Diwali in part by setting off fireworks at home. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Fireworks also must be purchased from licensed sellers and buyers have to be at least 18 years old.
Residents can report illegal fireworks by calling 311 or submitting a complaint online.
Toronto: Permit required
In Toronto, residents cannot set off consumer fireworks without a permit on Diwali. The only days when permits are not required are Victoria Day and Canada Day.
A fireworks permit costs $226.37, and applications must be submitted at least 10 business days before the planned display. When a permit is issued, fireworks can be discharged until 11 p.m.
Fireworks are pictured exploding above Toronto city hall during Diwali in 2023. (Submitted by Vrajesh Shah)
Fireworks are prohibited in public parks, beaches, streets and parking lots, as well as on balconies and private property that does not belong to the person setting them off.
Markham: Family fireworks require a permit
Markham residents wishing to set off family fireworks on Diwali must obtain a permit. The city exempts fireworks from permit requirements only on Victoria Day and Canada Day, as well as the day before those holidays.
Family fireworks can only be used on private property with the homeowner’s consent. Fireworks are prohibited on city property, including parks, fields and roads.
A Family Fireworks Permit costs $246 plus HST and must be applied for online at least seven days before the planned display. Violators can face fines of up to $5,000.
The city permits low-hazard family fireworks such as fountains, showers, pinwheels and sparklers, but prohibits firecrackers, smoke bombs and similar devices.
Vaughan: Permit needed, fireworks must end by 10 p.m.
Vaughan allows fireworks without a permit only on Victoria Day and Canada Day. Residents wishing to use fireworks on Diwali must obtain a Fireworks Display Permit for around $250 from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service.
For dates that require a permit, fireworks must be set off on private property and cannot be discharged in parks, roadways, sidewalks or other public spaces. Fireworks must end by 10 p.m. on these days, compared with 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day.
The city also prohibits fireworks from balconies, windows, doorways, terraces and decks in multi-residential buildings, as well as from common areas.
Applications may take up to 10 business days to process, so residents should plan ahead.
Oakville: Fireworks OK on Diwali, surrounding days
Oakville is among the municipalities with more relaxed fireworks rules for religious and cultural celebrations.
Under the town’s fireworks bylaw, family fireworks are permitted between dusk and 11 p.m. on the day of, the day before, or the day after Victoria Day, Canada Day and New Year’s Day. The same allowance applies to religious or cultural celebrations where fireworks are used to mark the occasion.
For Diwali, that means family fireworks can be discharged between dusk and 11 p.m. on Nov. 7, 8 or 9, provided the celebration is connected to the religious or cultural event and other bylaw requirements are followed.
Residents can report fireworks concerns involving unsafe displays, fireworks on municipal property or discharges outside permitted dates and hours through the town’s Report a Problem service.
Oshawa: Diwali fireworks OK between dusk and 11 p.m.
Oshawa Fire Services is reminding residents that consumer fireworks may be discharged on Diwali, Sunday, Nov. 8, between dusk and 11 p.m.
According to a statement from the city, residents may discharge consumer or family fireworks without a permit only on private property and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The rules require specific distances from buildings, trees and dry grass.
The city prohibits fireworks outside permitted times, contrary to manufacturer requirements or in public spaces, including parks and schoolyards. Violations can result in fines of up to $100,000.
The city is also encouraging residents to be considerate of neighbours by communicating their plans in advance, being mindful of pets, staying within permitted hours and cleaning up fireworks debris.