News

City of Waterloo to amend fireworks bylaw to address ongoing concerns

6 May 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.