While the fireworks debate at Mississauga city council finally fizzled out last week, the public uproar is still going strong. Council voted not to ban fireworks in the city, despite the skyrocketing number of complaints, due to concerns over enforceability and the impact on the Hindu community.
With Diwali celebrations in full swing during the evening of Monday Oct. 20 and fireworks going off all over the city, it was clear on social media that ban or no ban, there are plenty of people upset with the noise, garbage, and air pollution that fireworks bring to their neighbourhoods.
Many residents of Meadowvale wrote to local councillor Martin Reid to share their frustrations. One person wrote on the Meadowvale Neighbours Facebook Page, “Councillor, since you voted against the fireworks ban a few days ago, I invite you to walk through Plowman’s Park right now and see if you can breathe. There are so many fireworks in the park and around it that it looks like a dense fog.”
The Facebook post then when on to say, “LATER EDIT: It’s 12:37[am] and still going strong.” And then, “EVEN LATER EDIT: It’s 1:20am and and guess what? The fireworks are still going strong in Meadowvale.”
Other commenters wrote, “Non stop here for hours,” “I’m still hearing them and it’s midnight,” and “After 11 now and still fireworks. People need sleep.”
Councillor Reid replied to the comments saying, “I saw many of your messages last night about the fireworks…and I share your frustration. We must do better.” He then went on to say, “The truth is, simply banning fireworks won’t solve the problem – it’s almost impossible to enforce. Those setting them off illegally now won’t stop until we step in with real action.”
City council did not propose any new enforcement measures or increased budget for enforcement. Instead, they have slightly changed the allowed hours to 6pm-10pm (previously dusk-11pm) and have banned the sale of fireworks on the day of the permitted holiday.
These rules will not come into effect until next year. Fireworks will still not be allowed to be set off in public parks or on city streets or sidewalks.
City council hopes that a $300,000 public education and awareness campaign will be enough to change behaviour in the city.
Back in 2024, during the Victoria Day long weekend, a garbage bin in Meadowvale’s Plowman’s Park was burnt down. This was due to fireworks smouldering.
As Councillor Reid pointed out, without enforcement, there is little else the city can do. But city can ask people nicely to respect their neighbours and follow the rules.
