Fireworks crackdown might be in Winnipeg’s future

A plan to crack down on some fireworks displays could be considered next year, amid concerns that many are done illegally.

“There are more fireworks complaints than permits issued for fireworks, leading to an understanding that many fireworks that generate complaints are set off illegally,” writes Lisa Gilmour, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service’s assistant chief of community risk reduction, in a new report.

WFPS received 306 calls about fireworks last year, while 144 consumer and professional permits were approved to set them off.

In Winnipeg, people who set off fireworks without a permit can presently be fined up to $500. To legally use fireworks, individuals must obtain the permit, be at least 18 years old and set off the devices at least 100 feet (30 metres) away from all buildings and trees.

In an interview, Gilmour said the exact number of illegal displays that were reported isn’t clear, partly because one event can trigger multiple complaints. She noted “very few” private homes have enough yard space to allow fireworks to be used legally.

“Fireworks can be set off safely, if the guidelines and the instructions are followed,” said Gilmour.

While the colourful displays are a key staple of some cultural and national celebrations, such as Diwali and Canada Day, they can also create noise and fire hazards.

Coun. Vivian Santos, chairwoman of community services, said she has received complaints of fireworks being set off around 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., while the displays can also pose a fire risk.

“There’s a safety component. People need to realize you should not be setting off fireworks in your neighbourhood because it can go (onto) somebody’s roof and set (their) house on fire,” said Santos (Point Douglas).

In Winnipeg, the WFPS is only dispatched to fireworks calls if there is a risk of fire or injury. In 2025, crews attended 41 such calls and were not dispatched to 267 others.

The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs recommended a ban on the sale and use of consumer fireworks in Canada in 2022 due to safety concerns.

The WFPS report calls for staff to report back with new enforcement options in the first quarter of 2027 but does not specify the exact change that would be proposed. The report notes any ban on consumer fireworks would allow permitted professional fireworks displays to continue.

The city could also consider firework free zones, such as parks. The report says violating either of those potential rules could lead to a fine of between $1,000 and $5,000. However, Gilmour said no specific option is being recommended or ruled out at this point.

Santos said she doesn’t support banning fireworks, noting they can be an important part of many celebrations, though she believes higher fines might be needed.

“Our fines are very nominal in Winnipeg … Maybe there is an opportunity to say if you do get caught and you are putting your neighbours at risk, a heftier fine might be a bit more of a deterrent,” she said, noting Brandon allows a fine of up to $1,000.

However, Santos said current WFPS staffing levels could make new rules difficult to enforce.

“We are quite challenged already with Winnipeg fire and paramedics, with the number of calls that they deal with on other issues,” she said.

The owner of Archangel Fireworks on Pembina Highway said education must be the key focus of any new rules.

Kelly Guille said he doesn’t expect the city to ban consumers from using fireworks and believes ongoing consultations between the city and industry members will help ensure any new rules make sense.

“Higher fines are not a concern for me. That is really up to the governing bodies to see what they think could be a greater deterrent for people breaking the rules,” said Guille.

Coun. Janice Lukes, who first called for the city to study how best to control fireworks, said she’d like to see more responsibility put on those buying the products.

“Maybe, if you buy fireworks, you have to take out a permit (first) … I’d like that explored,” said Lukes (Waverley West).

The councillor said she doesn’t believe WFPS can devote more staff to enforcement.

“Our fire department is very strapped. They’re working at maximum capacity,” she said.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

X: @joyanne_pursaga