This consultation is now closed.

To learn about the engagement process and what we heard, please check out our engagement summary in the documents panel of this page.

Staff will present a report providing data-driven recommendations to the Committee of the Whole on October 1, 2024. The community is invited to review the report ahead of the meeting and to delegate or submit correspondence if they have additional input they would like to submit for consideration. Interested community members can find information on speaking as a delegate or sending comments to Council on https://guelph.ca/council.

Do we need to update our Fireworks bylaw? Community feedback has been a big part of this decision!

We’re reviewing our Fireworks bylaw to see if it’s still meeting Guelph’s needs for the use of fireworks in our city, or if it’s time for an update. We want to know if and how residents use fireworks to celebrate, and if there are specific dates and events that should be considered for firework sales and use or if their use should be restricted or prohibited altogether.

A big thank you to everyone who participated in this study.

We heard from 1325 people through our survey (which was open between May 7 and June 16, 2024), and dozens of other community members in conversations we had over the past few months.

We are in the process of reviewing everything we've heard and will share back a summary in the coming months.

Your feedback will help us determine whether we should recommend a change to the current bylaw to Council when we present to them later this fall. Watch this space and follow the project for updates as they are available 

About the Fireworks bylaw review

The current Fireworks bylaw, last updated in 2013, permits fireworks for Victoria Day, Canada Day and Diwali celebrations. To learn more about current firework use in Guelph, visit guelph.ca/fireworks.

While fireworks can be a fun and exciting way to celebrate milestones and events, there are safety, environmental, property damage and disruption considerations to be made, including:

• the potential for fires, injury and property damage,
• environmental concerns from chemicals and waste, and
• disruption to wildlife, pets, and those with sensitivities to loud noises.

Our team is trying to find the right balance for Guelph. Your feedback will be used in combination with research and best practices from other communities along with guidance from the Guelph Fire Department to update our Fireworks By-law with an expected launch early in 2025.

For more information or to talk with our team directly, contact:

James Parr, Service Performance and Development Analyst
519-822-1260 extension 3462
james.parr@guelph.ca