Fireworks

Our Fireworks By-law prohibits and regulates the sale and setting off of consumer fireworks in Highlands East including but not limited to Roman candles, sparklers, fountains, multi-shot cakes, volcanoes, mines and snakes. 

Sale and use of flying lanterns banned

No one is allowed to sell or use a flying lantern within the Municipality of Highlands East. A $500 fine applies to those that do so.

Zoning restrictions for fireworks use

Amendments made in 2024 to our Fireworks By-law restrict where fireworks can be used. Fireworks are not permitted at any time if your property is zoned R2 (Hamlet Residential). This zoning designation includes the entirety of the Cardiff Townsite.

Dates and times when fireworks are allowed

No one is allowed to set off consumer fireworks within the Municipality of Highlands East except for the following days and times:

  • New Year's Eve between 7:00 p.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1
  • Victoria Day between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m on the weekend preceding and including the statutory holiday
  • Canada Day between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on the weekend before, the weekend after or on July 1
  • Civic Holiday between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on the weekend preceding and including the statutory holiday
  • Labour Day between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on the weekend preceding and including the statutory holiday

Examples of when fireworks are allowed

Canada Day

If Canada Day falls on a weekday, in addition to that day, fireworks are also allowed between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on the weekend before and the weekend after.

If Canada Day falls on a weekend (a Friday, Saturday or Sunday) then fireworks are allowed only on that weekend, between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Victoria Day, Civic Holiday and Labour Day

The Victoria Day, Civic Holiday and Labour Day holidays are celebrated on Mondays. Fireworks are allowed on those Mondays (between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.) as well as on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday leading up to that holiday Monday.

Fire bans include fireworks

A $500 fine applies to setting off fireworks during a fire ban. Fire bans are prominently announced on our website and throughout the Municipality so be sure to check and make sure that a ban is not in effect before setting off fireworks during an otherwise allowed day and time.

Reporting illegal fireworks

Use of fireworks outside of the allowed dates and times can be reported to By-law Enforcement by emailing us or calling 613-339-2442 and leaving a message.

Please call 911 in the event of an emergency or life threatening situation.

Fines

A $300 fine applies to anyone setting off fireworks outside of the allowed dates or times.

In addition to the $500 fines mentioned above relating to flying lanterns and the use fireworks during a fire ban, other fines include:

  • a $500 fine applies to vendors who fail to post our provided Notice of Regulations
  • a $500 fine applies to professional display fireworks being set off without a valid Fireworks Permit 

For a complete list of fines please see Schedule A included in our Fireworks By-law.