News

Fireworks Safety project now closed

June 25, 2026

Thank you once again to everyone who participated in the Fireworks Safety survey. This project is now closed. Following community feedback and regional collaboration, the municipalities taking part in this review now have approved updated fireworks bylaws.

Closing the loop: What happened in Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich?

Over 2025, each of these townships brought forward proposed changes, considered public input, and finalized updated bylaws.

In Wellesley, Council formally adopted amendments that reduced when fireworks can be used, following its June 24, 2025 review. The updated bylaw limits use to Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Labour Day between 8 and 11 p.m. It also introduced restrictions on retail by requiring fireworks to be sold only through permanent, brick‑and‑mortar stores, eliminating temporary roadside vendors.

In Wilmot, on August 25, 2025, Council approved updates to the bylaw that reduced the number of permitted days to Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali, and Lunar New Year – and introduced defined evening time limits. Enforcement was strengthened through higher penalties, with fines increased to as much as $1,000. Council chose not to proceed with a ban on fireworks sales.

In Woolwich, Council approved a new comprehensive Fireworks By-law on November 4, 2025. Rather than making incremental changes, the township replaced its previous framework with a modernized bylaw that more clearly regulates the use, sale, and permitting of fireworks, and strengthens enforcement provisions. This approach aligned Woolwich with the broader regional intent to improve safety while maintaining flexibility in how fireworks are managed locally.

Current regulations

As we head into the summer months, here’s a quick overview of where things stand across Waterloo Region in 2026.

City of Cambridge

  • Fireworks allowed: Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali
  • Times: Dusk to 11 p.m.
  • Sales: Permitted and regulated
  • Fines: Around $250
  • For more information about The City of Cambridge’s Fireworks By-law Review, visit the project page.

City of Kitchener

  • Fireworks allowed: Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali
  • Times: 9 to 11 p.m. (8 to 10 p.m. for Diwali)
  • Sales: Not permitted within city limits (as of 2026)
  • Fines: Up to about $1,500

City of Waterloo

  • Fireworks allowed: Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali, Lunar New Year
  • Times: 9 to 11 p.m. (8 to 10 p.m. for Diwali and Lunar New Year)
  • Sales: Not permitted within city limits (as of 2026)
  • Fines: Range from $1,000 to $2,000

Township of North Dumfries

  • Fireworks allowed: Victoria Day and Canada Day (plus the day before and after each)
  • Times: Must end by 10:15 p.m.
  • Sales: Permitted only during the 10 business days before Victoria Day and the 10 business days before Canada Day
  • Fines: $1,000 set fines per offence, with a maximum penalty of up to $5,000 upon conviction

Township of Wellesley

  • Fireworks allowed: Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Labour Day
  • Times: 8 to 11 p.m.
  • Sales: Permitted only in permanent stores
  • Fines: Around $500

Township of Wilmot

  • Fireworks allowed: Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali, and Lunar New Year
  • Times: 8 to 11 p.m. (7 to 10 p.m. for Lunar New Year)
  • Sales: Permitted:, no restrictions
  • Fines: Up to $1,000

Township of Woolwich

  • Fireworks allowed: Victoria Day (and the day before), Canada Day (and the day before), Diwali, Lunar New Year, and approved cultural/religious holidays
  • Times: 9 to 11 p.m. (8 to 10 p.m. for Diwali and Lunar New Year)
  • Sales: Permitted with a licence at approved locations, only during the 5 days before Victoria Day and the 5 days before Canada Day
  • Fines: Enforced under the Township’s administrative penalty system

Thank you for your input

Your feedback helped shape these decisions across the region. Fireworks are an important tradition for many residents, and each municipality has updated its rules to balance celebration with safety, community well-being, and enforcement.

For full details, residents are encouraged to check their local municipal website before planning any fireworks use.