Council approves stiffer fireworks penalties and establishes fire services committee

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNews Council approves stiffer fireworks penalties and establishes fire services committee The higher penalties include a $1,000 fine for openly displaying fireworks in public. Author of the article: By Scott Strasser Published Sep 23, 2026 Last updated 4 minutes ago 5 minute read Join the conversation A sparkling firework display on the ground. PHOTO BY MZIELLO /Getty Images Article content Illegally using or selling pyrotechnics will now net Calgarians stiffer penalties, after city council approved amendments to its fireworks regulations at their Tuesday regular meeting. Article content The higher penalties include a $1,000 fine for openly displaying fireworks in public, while the fine for discharging fireworks without a permit has doubled, from $500 to $1,000. Article content Article content Article content Retailers who are caught selling illegal fireworks, which include Roman candles and firecrackers, within Calgary limits will now face a $3,000 fine, which is four times higher than the previous penalty. Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content While the city’s fire operations and fees bylaw already prohibits the personal use of pyrotechnics in Calgary, the previous penalties were not a strong enough deterrent for people to either discharge or sell fireworks without the appropriate permits, administration argued. Article content Council supported the bylaw changes 13-1, with Ward 12 Coun. Mike Jamieson voting against the motion. Article content “These bylaw changes can be a really strong deterrent to people using illegal fireworks and ensure law enforcement can focus on other issues around the city,” said Ward 1 Coun. Kim Tyers. Article content The changes were prompted by a notice of motion last year from Ward 5 Coun. Raj Dhaliwal, which he said was in response to a rise in illegal fireworks in his northeast ward, particularly during Diwali or Bandi Chhor Divas. Article content His motion came after Calgary police said they received 167 complaints about illegal pyrotechnics in the northeast last fall between Oct. 20 and 22, likely tied to religious celebrations. Two fires were…