Public education campaign is planned in advance of October’s Diwali celebrations
Labour Day weekend in Mississauga generated a number of complaints about illegal fireworks, despite the holiday not being as strongly associated with fireworks as Victoria Day or Canada Day. The City of Mississauga told MPulse that they received 15 complaints about fireworks. They did not issue any fines or tickets.
In comparison, over Canada Day weekend this year, there were 63 fireworks related complaints and two charges.
Anyone caught setting off fireworks in Mississauga over Labour Day weekend without a permit could have received a ticket for at least $300. By-law officers tasked with investigating complaints, however, find catching people in the act very difficult. They often arrive only to find abandoned fireworks debris and the culprits long gone.
With complaints rising significantly year over year, Mississauga City Council met this past spring to discuss whether or not Mississauga should follow Brampton’s lead and ban fireworks outright.
Despite a lively debate, including many passionate speeches from Hindu residents in defence of Diwali fireworks, council was not able to come to a decision and deferred the issue.
According to the city, it is unknown at this time when the matter may return to council. Looking toward Fall, the city says it’s planning a large public education campaign ahead of Diwali celebrations in October. According to a Mississauga spokesperson, “Tactics planned include mobile signs, digital signage, social media, newsletter stories, posters, digital media ads and a media story.” While the city regularly runs these sorts of awareness campaigns, as it did leading up to Canada Day this year, their effectiveness is questionable. Fireworks related complaints rose from 180 in 2022 to 602 in 2024.
HAVE YOUR SAY! YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
Do you think the City of Mississauga should issue an outright ban on fireworks? Is this even enforceable? Or do we need to accept that people enjoy setting them off? Let us know at info@mpulse.ca
