News

City of Waterloo to amend fireworks bylaw to address ongoing concerns

May 6, 2025

Council approved updating the City’s fireworks bylaw in agreement with the recommendations of the area municipality fireworks working group. The amendments to the Waterloo bylaw include:

  • reducing the number of days and times fireworks are permitted to only the day of the holiday (with two days for Diwali/Deepavali)
    • Lunar New Year from 8 to 10 p.m.
    • Victoria Day from 9 to 11 p.m.
    • Canada Day from 9 to 11 p.m.
    • Diwali/Deepavali from 8 to 10 p.m.
  • prohibiting the sale of fireworks in Waterloo starting January 2026
  • increasing the administrative penalties for fireworks related infractions, from the current $400 per violation with $800 for a second offence, to $1000 for the first offence and $2000 for subsequent offences.

Staff will return to Council at a later date with the updated fireworks bylaw for final Council approval.