Fireworks

The City of Cambridge permits fireworks on Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Diwali between dusk and 11:00 PM.  Fireworks are not permitted on public property unless authorized by permit.  Even when fireworks are discharged on private property during permitted days and times, they must be used safely so that they do not create a hazard to any person or property.

Please note that the Fireworks By-law prohibits the use of fireworks in any manner or location that may pose a risk to people or property.  Anyone discharging fireworks must comply with the Fireworks By-law, all manufacturer instructions, and applicable safety requirements. 

The following safety recommendations are intended to help ensure fireworks are used responsibly and safely.

Fireworks Safety Recommendations 

  • Choose a wide, open area that is free from obstacles such as buildings, fences and decks. 
  • Do not set off any firework in or into any public highway, street, lane, square, or other public space.  Public firework displays require a permit.
  • Do not set off any firework in or into any building, doorway, automobile or other place where such setting off might create danger to any person or property. 
  • Do not discharge fireworks near combustible materials, including dry grass, mulch, hedges, dense vegetation, firewood, propane tanks, or vehicles.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions on the fireworks packaging.
  • Maintain the recommended minimum distance from spectators.
  • Do not try to light a firework or hold a lit firework in your hand unless the manufacturer’s instructions indicate that they are designed to be hand-held.
  • Have a water source or fire extinguisher readily available when discharging fireworks.
  • Fireworks should only be handled and discharged by adults 18 years of age or older who are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Do not fire in windy conditions.
  • Do not smoke while setting off fireworks.
  • Wait at least 30 minutes before approaching a firework that fails to ignite. Do not attempt to relight a firework that did not discharge, and never try to repair or modify a defective firework.
  • Soak all used fireworks and debris in water before disposal to help prevent fires and ensure they are fully extinguished.

Individuals who wish to host a public fireworks display must submit a Fireworks Display Application to the Clerk’s division, noting particulars of the event and in addition provide proof of liability insurance in the amount of $5,000,000. This application is reviewed by Fire Services and authorization is granted by the Municipal Clerk following review. Please contact clerks@cambridge.ca for more information. 

The sale of fireworks must conform to Section 2 of the Fireworks Bylaw 40-04 and is further regulated through the Business Licensing Bylaw 16-142. These licensing requirements are summarized below:

  1. No Person shall operate a business where fireworks are offered for sale, hereafter referred to as “fireworks retail sales” without a licence.
  2. The manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of fireworks shall conform to the federal “Explosives Act” and “Explosive Regulations”.
  3. The operator shall not transfer the issued licence.
  4. The operator shall not sell by retail or supply any fireworks:
    1. To any Person apparently under the age of eighteen (18) years of age.
    2. To any Person except on Canada Day or on the day fixed by proclamation of the Governor-General for the observation of Victoria Day or the celebration of Diwali and during the preceding ten (10) days prior to the aforementioned holidays; and
  5. The operator shall surrender the licence if the licence has been revoked under resolution of the Council of the Corporation of the City of Cambridge if any of the provisions of this by-law or any other City by-aw or statute enforced by the City of Cambridge has been breached.
  6. In addition to the licensing requirements set out in this by-law, an online application can be completed and you will need the following:

    1. Articles of Incorporation OR Name Registration

    2. Valid Public Liability Insurance

      1. with a minimum of $5,000,000 commercial general liability; and,

      2. the City of Cambridge listed as an additional insured.

    3. Valid Driver’s License

    4. Zoning Approval and Fire Department approval

To report fireworks concerns, please call 519-623-1340. This 24/7 Service Cambridge line provides direct access to By-law dispatch at any time of day; for urgent matters after hours, press 1.
To report non-urgent fireworks concerns, use our online reporting tool.