Canada Day tradition comes with rules
There are plenty of bylaws around fireworks displays on public or private property
There are only two occasions when Toronto residents can legally light fireworks on their property without a permit, and upcoming Canada Day is one of them.
The other is Victoria Day. As a matter of fact, there was a time when kids used to call Queen Victoria’s birthday Firecracker Day.
That all changed in 1972 when firecrackers were banned in Canada and only roman candles, spiralling pinwheels, sparklers and perennial favourites like the burning schoolhouse were allowed to be sold.
For other festivities, such as Diwali in October or November and Chinese New Year in January or February, a permit must be issued by Toronto Fire Services.
Fireworks can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not followed, both in the case of large-scale displays and small family or neighbourhood holiday events.
And if anything bad happens, one can be liable for the consequences.
Family fireworks displays can be held without a permit on private property, but are not allowed on city streets, lanes or in parks. The Toronto Fire Service issues warnings in advance, yet some people and groups do so anyway. They could face fines or even criminal charges if damage to property is done.
Fireworks must be discharged a safe distance from structures, trees and 100 metres from public buildings, such as schools and hospitals. They also can’t be discharged by anyone under 18.
Last November, Toronto police received numerous complaints after an unexpected 11:30 p.m. Sunday py- rotechnics display crackled, boomed and lit up the sky along the waterfront at Polson Pier.
It turned out to be part of an organized Diwali event during the fiveday Indian “Festival of Lights,” and police later issued a statement that there was no threat to public safety.
City fireworks permits are issued to people and organizations for specific dates. Application fees range from about $550 to $2,750, depending on the size of the event and complexity of the displays.
The application for a permit must include the name, address and phone number of the applicant or organization making the request, the date and time the fireworks are to be discharged and an alternate date if there is a weather-related postponement.
Only fireworks that conform to the Canada Explosives Act can be used, adequate fire extinguishing apparatus must be close at hand, people watching the display must be at a safe distance from the fireworks and the permit must be on hand.
Large fireworks displays require a detailed plan that includes the dimensions of the discharge zone, the types of fireworks, direction of the display, it must be a safe distance from structures and trees with an area for spectators and access for emergency vehicles.
Only a qualified fireworks supervisor can discharge the fireworks; there must be sufficient staff to deal with the display and security and there must be a minimum of $5 million of liability insurance in place.
In Toronto, vendors must be licensed to sell fireworks only during the seven days leading up to Victoria Day, Canada Day and Diwali Day.
While most vendors have temporary licenses, there are vendors with permanent licenses selling pyrotechnic supplies year-round for special events and theatrical displays.