After a series of incidents tied to personal fireworks, the city of Brampton is stepping up enforcement ahead of Canada Day. Police are promising a strong presence at the city's annual fireworks display and warning that dangerous behaviour could lead to criminal charges. The push reflects a broader effort to keep the holiday celebration safe and family friendly after problems in previous years.
Peel Regional Police say they are taking measures for celebrations in both Brampton and Mississauga to ensure residents are kept safe. Officials described a coordinated plan built around a visible police presence at the main event, framing it as a partnership aimed at preventing trouble before it starts. The goal, they said, is to make sure there are no incidents during the Canada Day festivities.
At the site of Brampton's main fireworks display, attendees can expect added security checks at the gates. Bags will be searched for illegal fireworks and alcohol, while food, water and non-alcoholic beverages will be allowed inside. The screening is intended to stop people from bringing in the kinds of items that have contributed to past disruptions, while still letting families bring what they need for the day.
The stricter approach builds on a decision Brampton City Council made in 2022 to ban the use, sale and possession of personal fireworks. That measure was meant to curb the dangers associated with people setting off fireworks on their own, but officials acknowledge it did not fully resolve the problem. Incidents have continued, prompting the city to lean more heavily on enforcement at public events.
The scale of the issue was on display earlier this year. During the city's Victoria Day fireworks display in May, police arrested 13 people at the park, with officers noting at the time that most of those accused were between 18 and 26 years old. That episode underscored why authorities are taking a firmer stance heading into Canada Day, one of the busiest celebration days of the year.
Reaction to the crackdown has been broadly supportive, including from some who sell fireworks legally. One resident said they were happy to see enforcement, even while acknowledging it was unfortunate that it had come to that. Retailers, meanwhile, stressed that fireworks should only ever be set off on private property and never in city parks or on city streets. For now, personal fireworks remain banned in Brampton, while neighbouring Mississauga allows them on private property without a permit on five designated holidays, including Canada Day.