Want to launch fireworks on Canada Day? Here are the rules in Halton Hills

While a potential fireworks ban has been much-discussed at council, personal and display fireworks are still very much allowed in Halton Hills on July 1

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Canada's 157th birthday is on Monday and local residents are gearing up to celebrate the big day.

But the recent uncertainty on Town council about the status of fireworks may have created some confusion around what residents can and can't do.

Despite all of the discussion, the Town of Halton Hills' rules on fireworks haven't changed.

Here's what you need to know.

Family/Personal Fireworks

These fireworks are the ones available to the average person and are launched as part of celebrations between family and friends. Within this category are the run-of-the-mill consumer pyrotechnics like Roman candles, pinwheels and sparklers. Ordinarily, a permit is needed to launch fireworks. However, Halton Hills residents are exempted from this requirement on specific designated days: Canada Day, Victoria Day, Diwali, Lunar New Year and New Year's Eve.

So go ahead and shoot off your favourite pyrotechnic on Monday. There are, however, still some rules that one must follow to have a good time:

Users must be at least 18 years of age. Individuals under the age can discharge while under adult supervision.
No deployment of fireworks past 11 p.m.
Launching is not allowed during burn bans. Keep an eye on the Town's website to stay updated on the status of open-air burning.
Owners can only launch from their private properties and someone else's property if they have the owner's permission.
One cannot use fireworks in public places like parks and streets.
Unfired or dud fireworks must be safely disposed of immediately.
No one should discharge pyrotechnics in a way or place that is unsafe or creates a nuisance.
No launching fireworks into buildings, other types of structures and cars.

Display Fireworks

These are more complex and awe-inspiring pyrotechnics that are typically reserved for grand public displays, like the large-scale Canada Day display put on by the Acton Firefighters' Association in Prospect Park. Cannon-like tubes are used for launching the fireworks, and they can only be operated by people or companies that are approved by the federal government.

A signed approval is also needed from the local fire department to create such public displays.

For more information on the Town of Halton Hills' rules on fireworks, visit HaltonHills.ca.