Residents advised to limit fireworks celebrations this Victoria Day (1)

The City of Waterloo, along with area municipalities across the region, remind residents to keep safety top of mind this Victoria Day.

To meet physical distancing guidelines, public firework displays will not be permitted and public events have been cancelled across the region for the May long weekend (May 16-18). Fireworks cannot be set off in municipal parks, sports fields, laneways, or on school board property.

Additionally, private backyard firework displays associated with the Victoria Day weekend are discouraged to respect physical distancing protocol, due to provincially-imposed limitations on gatherings of more than five people not part of the same household, as well as the possibility of tying up emergency resources as well as the risks associated with gatherings.

Residents are asked to consider alternate plans and to keep celebrations to those within their household. Please note that municipal bylaw officers will be enforcing current public health restrictions.

“Residents of the City of Waterloo have done a great job of adjusting to life through the pandemic, and we strongly urge everyone to make another accommodation to maintain personal and community safety,” said Fire Chief Richard Hepditch, Waterloo Fire Rescue. “We don’t want to put any additional pressure on the healthcare system or emergency responders, so rather than traditional fireworks, we are asking people to celebrate creatively – access age appropriate fireworks videos on YouTube, or use glow sticks, observe physical distancing and celebrate responsibly.”

If you’re looking for something fun to do on the long weekend – or any day, check out the city’s Waterloo at Home program.

Anyone selling fireworks requires a license from the city in line with the municipal fireworks bylaw.

You can also follow Waterloo Fire Rescue on Twitter for more helpful tips.

Media contact:

Tony Iavarone
Director, Corporate Communications
tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca