Fireworks Permit

Fireworks are discharged around Clarington to celebrate various events. Clarington has legislated their safe use as outlined in  By-law 2015-047. The By-law states that residents may only discharge fireworks on the three days immediately before and including Canada Day and the Victoria Day holiday. Anyone wishing to have an event involving fireworks beyond those dates must apply for a permit.

Fire Safety

Permits to discharge fireworks

The Municipality issues Class A and B permits in relation to the discharge of fireworks.

A "Class A Permit" is a permit to discharge Consumer Fireworks. These are the traditional "family" fireworks that the public can purchase. They are considered low risk. No permit is needed for a person to discharge fireworks on their own property three days before and on the day of Victoria Day or Canada Day. To discharge consumer fireworks at any other time, you must first obtain a Class A Permit.

The fee for a Class A Permit is waived for cultural or religious holidays.

A "Class B Permit" is a permit to discharge Display Fireworks or Special Effect Pyrotechnics. Display Fireworks are the higher level of fireworks. They contain more explosive and can cause fires and severe injuries. These can only be discharged by a qualified person. Anyone applying for a permit must have a licence issued by Natural Resources Canada. This licence must be photocopied and attached to the permit application. Insurance for Class B Permits is set at $5 million.

Vendors and the sale of fireworks

Vendors can only sell Consumer Fireworks to the general public. Display fireworks and theatrical pyrotechnics are strictly regulated by federal law. Fireworks sold from a mobile trailer location or from a fixed location (a store) have differing fire safety criteria.

A "Class C Permit" is a permit to sell Consumer Fireworks from a Mobile Sales Location. Vendors wanting to sell Consumer Fireworks from a trailer must obtain a Class C Permit.

A "Class D Permit" is a permit to sell Consumer Fireworks from a Temporary Sales Location.  Any store displaying fireworks for sale must apply, be inspected and obtain a Class D Permit.

Note: Special events fireworks and pyrotechnics cannot be sold or purchased through a temporary store location or sales trailer. They must be purchased through a federally licensed corporation.

Permits are not transferable by means of date or location.

Apply for a fireworks permit

It's now easier than ever to apply for a fireworks permit with our new Service Clarington portal. To get started, visit the Service Clarington portal and register for a new account.

Learn more about how to use the portal at www.clarington.net/ServiceClarington.

Apply now.

Application process

  1. Log in to the Service Clarington portal or create a new account.
  2. Fill out the appropriate fireworks permit application and pay the fee, if applicable.
  3. Staff will review your submission to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
  4. If the submission meets all the requirements, we will issue your fireworks permit, and you will receive confirmation of the approval by email.

Need help?

If you are unable to apply online or need help with the application process, please visit www.clarington.net/ServiceClarington or contact our Municipal Law Enforcement Office at 905-623-3379 ext. 2105.

Contact Us

Address: 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6

Phone: 905-623-3379
TTY: 1-844-790-1599

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