Fireworks Permit

The Town of Tecumseh’s Fireworks By-law 2023-045 regulates the sale and discharge of fireworks. The By-law sets restrictions and regulations surrounding consumer and display fireworks (event fireworks, high hazard).

Low hazard “fireworks” that do not launch into the air, which include fireworks showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pinwheels DO NOT require a permit for the holidays listed in the By-Law.”

A permit is required for fireworks that are designed to launch from the ground and explode in the air, defined as Aerial Fireworks or Display Fireworks in By-Law 2023-045. Setting off these types of higher hazard fireworks requires closer scrutiny to ensure it is done safely.

Aerial Fireworks includes fireworks commonly known as bottle rockets, skyrockets, missile-type rockets, helicopters, torpedoes, flying pigs, and jumping jacks.

Display Fireworks are high hazard fireworks under the Explosives Act, and includes rockets, serpents, shells, bombshells, tourbillions, maroons, large wheels, bouquets, bombardos, waterfalls, fountains, batteries, illumination, set pieces and pigeons.

Sales of fireworks in Tecumseh from a temporary sales location (ie. roadside stand) or a permanent location require a permit.

Anyone having questions about the requirements of the new By-Law should call Tecumseh Fire / Rescue at 519-979-4041.

Fireworks Permit Guidelines:

To set off aerial or display fireworks in the Town of Tecumseh, you must fill out an application and apply for a permit at least 10 business days prior to the date you want to set them off.

To sell fireworks from a temporary or permanent sales location in the Town of Tecumseh, you must fill out an application and apply for a permit at least 10 business days prior to the date you want to start to sell them.

Once your application has been submitted online, it will be reviewed by the Town and you will be notified if and when your permit is approved. Before you submit your application, please ensure compliance with the guidelines and requirements contained in By-Law 2023-045.

Read By-Law 2023-045 here.

How To Apply:

Before you submit your application to set off fireworks, make sure you have the following documents to attach:

Certificate of Insurance:
- Every applicant shall provide with the permit, proof of Liability Insurance with a minimum coverage of two million Canadian dollars ($2,000,000.00 CAD) or such other amount as may be requested with The Corporation of the Town of Tecumseh to be named as an additional insured.
Fireworks Operator Certificate
Indemnification & Liability Agreement. You can download that here.
Written consent of the owner of the property and address of the property
An itemized list of products proposed to be used (ex. F.1, F.2)
List of methods of extinguishment
Map of the fireworks display area, see example below.

Before you submit your application to sell fireworks, make sure you have the following documents to attach:

Written consent of the owner of the property and address of the property
An itemized list of products proposed to be sold (ex. F.1, F.2)
Date or dates and time period for selling fireworks
Proof that the applicant holds a valid licence if the applicant is proposing to sell display fireworks or aerial fireworks

Apply Here:

You can apply for a Fireworks permit here.

Please review By-Law 2023-045 before applying. Please fill out the Indemnity Form here.

FAQ:

What is the difference between aerial fireworks, consumer fireworks and display fireworks?

Aerial Fireworks: means display fireworks or consumer fireworks that produce an audible or visible effect and is designed to rise into the air and explode or detonate in the air or to fly about above the ground, including but not limited to firework items commonly known as bottle rockets, skyrockets, missile-type rockets, helicopters, torpedoes, flying pigs, and jumping jacks. This requires a permit and a fireworks operator certificate.

Display Fireworks: means an outdoor high hazard, recreational firework that is classed as a subdivision 2 of Division 2 of Class 7 Fireworks under the Explosives Act, for which a permit shall be required and includes rockets, serpents, shells, bombshells, tourbillions, maroons, large wheels, bouquets, bombardos, waterfalls, fountains, batteries, illumination, set pieces and pigeons but does not include consumer fireworks. This requires a permit and a fireworks operator certificate.

Consumer Fireworks: means an outdoor, low hazard, recreational firework for which a permit Is not required that is classed as a subdivision 1 of Division 2 of Class 7 Fireworks under the Explosives Act and includes fireworks showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pin wheels, Roman candles, volcanoes and sparklers, but does not include Christmas crackers and caps for toy guns containing not in excess of twenty-five one-hundredths of a grain of explosive used per cap but does not include aerial fireworks. You do not need a permit for this.

I don’t have a fireworks operator certificate – how do I get one?

You can find out more about getting certified here. Additionally, you can reach out to K&H Fireworks to find someone in the area who is certified: https://khfireworks.ca/

Can I still have fireworks without a permit?

The only type of fireworks you are permitted to use with no permit are consumer fireworks. These fireworks do not leave the ground. This includes fireworks showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pinwheels, Roman candles, volcanoes and sparklers. No person shall set off Consumer Fireworks in the Town, except on the following designated dates or holidays:

a) 3 days before and on the third Monday of May, being Victoria Day

b) 3 days before and including July 1, being Canada Day, and 3 days after July 1 inclusive of July 4, being Independence Day (U.S.A.)

c) 3 days before and on the first Monday of August, being Civic Holiday

d) 3 days before and on the first Monday of September, being Labour Day

e) December 31, being New Year's Eve;

f) Lunar New Year

g) Diwali

h) or with written consent from the Fire Chief

Additionally, No person shall set off Consumer Fireworks at any time except between dusk and 11:00 p.m. on the designated days as prescribed in this By-Law, and between dusk on New Year's Eve and 12:30 a.m. the following day.

How much does a permit to sell or set off fireworks cost?

The permit cost $50.

Do I need a permit to set off fireworks on private property?

Yes - Permits for aerial/display fireworks are required for public and private property including street, backyard, etc.

Town of Tecumseh
917 Lesperance Road
Tecumseh, ON N8N 1W9
Phone: 519 735 2184
Fax: 519 735 6712
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