New hefty fine added in Calgary for illegal fireworks being set off
The City of Calgary says a new fine is being put into place to try to curb the unauthorized use of fireworks.
Council approved amendments to the Fire Operations and Fees Bylaw that came into effect today, and the bylaw changes will increase fines for selling fireworks from $750 to $3,000 and increase fines for discharging fireworks without a permit from $500 to $1,000. The City of Calgary’s review found that Calgary’s current penalties are lower than those in comparable municipalities and are not acting as an effective deterrent.
The updated bylaw will also introduce a new offence of a $1,000 fine for carrying or setting up fireworks for use in a public place. This will allow enforcement officers to intervene when people are preparing to set up fireworks in parks, streets, or other public spaces before they are discharged, helping prevent unsafe activity.
The city says the amendments come in response to ongoing concerns about unauthorized fireworks activity in Calgary. Between 2023 and 2025, it received 183 fireworks-related service requests through 311.
“These changes are about protecting public safety while supporting safe and responsible celebrations,” said Glenn Baxter, fire marshal with the Calgary Fire Department. “These bylaw amendments give enforcement partners stronger tools to address unauthorized fireworks activity and reduce risks to residents, property, and public spaces.”
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The City is also recommending a community-led, City-supported approach to celebrations that use fireworks. Through collaborative efforts, the City is committed to helping organizations access grants, permits, logistical support, and event-planning assistance while providing safe opportunities for Calgarians to come together and celebrate cultural traditions.
Over the past few months, the City has developed a coordinated operational plan involving Emergency Management & Community Safety (EMCS), the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) and the Calgary Police Service (CPS) to improve planning, education, and enforcement during peak periods such as Diwali, Stampede, and New Year’s Eve. The implementation of these plans will begin in Q4 2026.
Do you agree with this new fine and the bylaw changes targeting the unauthorized use of fireworks in Calgary? Let us know in the comments.