Fireworks

Permitted Uses

Fireworks are allowed only on designated days: Victoria Day, Canada Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. They can only be set off on private property with the owner's consent. Public displays require a permit from the Fire Chief. Setting off fireworks in public spaces like beaches, parks, or streets is prohibited. Noise travels farther than you think. A few small steps can go a long way toward keeping your community comfortable and safe. You can reduce the impact by:

• Choosing quieter fireworks where possible

• Giving your neighbours a heads-up if you plan to use them

• Keeping celebrations short and early—ideally before 10 PM

• Only light fireworks on permitted days

 Safe Setup of Fireworks

To prevent injuries and fires, follow these key steps when setting up:

• Set up on a flat, open area, away from trees, dry grass, buildings, vehicles, and overhead wires.

• Keep a bucket of water, hose, or fire extinguisher nearby.

• Have only sober adults handle fireworks—no drugs or alcohol.

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each firework.

• Wear safety glasses and keep all spectators at a safe distance.

• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back immediately.

• Never hold fireworks in your hand once lit.

Fireworks to Avoid

Not all fireworks are safe or legal. Avoid the following:

• Homemade or modified fireworks: These are highly unpredictable and illegal.

• M-80s, cherry bombs, or similar explosives: These are banned in Canada.

• Sky lanterns: They pose a serious fire risk and are not permitted in many areas.

• Any product that is damaged, leaking powder, or has missing labels.

Always buy from reputable, licensed retailers, and check that the fireworks are approved by Natural Resources Canada.

 Fireworks Disposal 

After the show, cleanup is critical for safety and the environment:

• Let used fireworks cool completely—wait at least 30 minutes.

• Soak used and dud fireworks in a bucket of water overnight.

• Double bag the soaked fireworks and place them in the regular garbage.

• Never relight or try to fix a firework that didn’t go off.

Fireworks are fun—but loud explosions can disturb others, especially at night. To minimize disturbance, Wasaga Beach restricts fireworks to specific holidays, and strongly encourages residents to keep displays short, early in the evening, and away from densely populated areas. Being mindful of noise helps ensure that everyone can enjoy the holiday—whether they’re watching the sky light up or trying to get a peaceful night’s sleep. 

Why are fireworks so loud?

It all comes down to the chemical reaction that happens after the fuse is lit. The burning gunpowder releases hot gas that expands rapidly; when the gas expands to the point that it runs out of room within the firework, the resulting explosion causes a blast wave.

The vibrations from that blast wave have the potential to cause permanent damage to the delicate hair cells of the inner ear. When it comes to fireworks, the World Health Organization recommends the maximum safe decibel level for adults is 140 decibels, and for children only 120 decibels.

Protecting your hearing now will enable you to enjoy the sounds of the fireworks for years to come.

Keep a Safe Distance

Fireworks create noise and a blast wave that can harm your hearing. One way to reduce the risk of damage is to maintain a safe distance from the display. The farther the better, but a minimum distance of around 500 feet will still give you a great view without the sound pressure that can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear.

Fireworks can be extremely distressing for animals, especially pets like dogs and cats who are sensitive to loud sounds and flashing lights. Sudden bursts of noise can trigger anxiety, cause pets to hide, shake, or even run away. To keep your animals safe during fireworks, always keep them indoors with windows and curtains closed to help muffle the sound. Create a calm environment with familiar bedding or soft music, and never bring pets to a fireworks display.

Small Pets

Small animals (e.g., hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice and birds) tend to frighten easily around loud noises. Here are some steps you can take to help them feel more at ease: 

• If you’re concerned about noise, you can move your animal’s cage or hutch to an area of the house that’s quieter (e.g., the garage or basement). 
• You can play white noise or calming music to help counteract the noises. 
• Rodents tend to burrow when they’re frightened, so make sure you provide extra bedding before any excitement starts. 

• Cover your birdcage or hutch with a blanket or towel. This will dampen the noise and block out some of the bright lights. 

Dogs and Cats

• Keep your furry friend indoors during firework displays, and make sure to close windows and pet doors leading outside. Startled animals will seek a place to hide. This means if your cat or dog manages to get outside, it can be very easy to lose them. Being inside the house will also help dampen any loud noises. 
• Make sure your animal is wearing its collar and ID tags. Microchipping is also recommended. In case your furry friend does get out, these steps will ensure you can find them again. 
• Walk your dog before it gets dark to avoid going outside once the fireworks start. 

• Have a safe place for your companion animal to feel at ease, like a crate or other confinement space. 
• You can block out some of the flashing lights by keeping curtains closed and lights on, or by placing a blanket over your animal’s crate. 
• Your furry friend may pace around, make noise or search for a place to hide. Let them be. 
• If you know that your companion animal is frightened by fireworks, try to have someone at home to stay with your pet. 
• Even if your animal doesn’t show signs of distress around fireworks, resist the urge to bring your cat or dog with you to watch a fireworks display. Animals are far more sensitive to the sounds and smells produced by fireworks and would be much happier having a quiet night in. 

• If your companion animal has a history of fear around loud noises or phobias with similar events speak to your veterinarian prior to any fireworks event. They may be able to help with medical intervention that can help keep your furry friends calm, and cool during all the excitement! 

For additional tips on how to keep your furry friend calm during firework celebrations during the Canada Day long weekend, talk to your veterinarian or a certified positive reinforcement-based behaviour expert

Enforcement

The Town of Wasaga Beach is committed to maintaining a strict but fair approach when it comes to fireworks enforcement. While the regulations surrounding the use of fireworks are firm—aimed at ensuring the safety of our residents, protecting wildlife, and minimizing disturbances—the enforcement is carried out with fairness and transparency. The Town recognizes that fireworks can be a fun and exciting part of celebrations, but it’s important for everyone to follow the rules for the well-being of the community as a whole.

By-law enforcement officers monitor fireworks activity to ensure compliance, but they also strive to educate residents about the laws and the reasons behind them. Fines and penalties are applied where necessary, but enforcement measures are taken with the intent to guide, inform, and correct, rather than penalize unnecessarily. The Town encourages residents to report violations, knowing that each case will be treated thoughtfully and impartially, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their celebrations in a safe and respectful environment.

Fines

• Every person, excluding a corporation, who is convicted of an offence, is liable to a  maximum fine of $25,000 for a first offence and a maximum fine of $50,000 for a subsequent offence.
• Every corporation who is convicted of an offence is liable to a maximum of $50,000 for the first offence and to a maximum of $100,000 for a subsequent offence.

If you witness the unsafe use of fireworks, hear fireworks outside permitted dates, or are concerned about potential violations of the Town’s fireworks by-laws, you are encouraged to report it. During business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), you can contact the Town of Wasaga Beach at 705-429-2511. Our summer hours begin May 12th, 2025 with extended hours (Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Friday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. - long weekends until 3:30 a.m.). 

For non-urgent issues, such as noise complaints or repeated disturbances, you can also submit a report online through the Municipal Law Enforcement Complaint Form. Your report helps keep our community safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone.

Get ready for an unforgettable fireworks show at dusk to light up the night as we celebrate Canada Day! On July 1st come join us at Beach Area 2 at 9:00 p.m.