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14 charges laid between June 30 – July 2

Over the Canada Day long weekend, the Town received various reports of issues regarding fireworks. Common complaints included fireworks being set-off in our Town parks and greenspaces, fireworks being set-off after 11 p.m., and litter, debris and destruction left from illegal firework displays.

Weekend enforcement and response actions included:

  • Between June 30 and July 2, by-law proactively patrolled Town parks and greenspaces from 9 p.m. to midnight, resulting in:
    • several warnings issued prior to individuals setting-off fireworks
    • 14 charges laid for fireworks being set-off in our parks and greenspaces
    • one charge of obstruction/hindering a Durham Region Police Officer after failing to comply to a by-law identification request
  • Two Ajax Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) responses directly related to fireworks, including:
    • park waste receptacle fire/damage due to discarded fireworks
    • damaged private property due to backyard fireworks
  • Significant clean-up conducted by Operations and Environmental Services staff, including:
    • 14+ hours of staff time to clean-up litter and debris in parks and greenspaces
    • $1,200 and staff time to replace burnt waste container

We would like to remind residents to be respectful of our community - there is zero tolerance for infractions of the Town’s Fireworks By-law.

Quote

“We’ve taken a stern and educational approach to enforcement to date. Unfortunately, some are not getting the message. The amount of reports of those not following our Fireworks By-law this past weekend and other designated holidays is troublesome. I ask residents to do your part and be a good neighbour by respecting our by-laws. If you are looking for firework events, annually the Town hosts Canada Day activities, including a professional fireworks finale - these activities are safe and enjoyable for the entire family." – Mayor Shaun Collier

Quick Facts

  • After months of public consultation, the Town’s Fireworks By-law was updated in 2022. Learn more on the IMO Hub at ajax.ca/fireworks.
  • Fireworks are only permitted on the day immediately preceding, the day of, and the day following these statutory and cultural Holidays: Victoria Day, Canada Day, Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr and Diwali.
  • Significant provisions of the Town’s Fireworks By-law include:
    • Fireworks are not permitted to be set off on any public street or roadway within TOA.
    • No Person shall set off consumer fireworks on any land of which they are not the registered owner, without obtaining the prior written permission of the registered owner to do so.
    • Fireworks are not permitted to be set off in public parks and greenspaces (waterfront, community parks, etc.).
    • Fireworks are not permitted to be set off after 11 p.m. or prior to 11 a.m.
  • We recommend residents to refrain from using consumer fireworks and instead attend professional events. This past weekend there was a professional fireworks event on July 1 at Ajax Downs as part of the Town’s Canada Day programming.

Learn More