New Westminster fireworks rules

Are fireworks allowed in New Westminster?

New Westminster, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

How it works

Section 26 of the Fire Protection Bylaw 6940 allows only low hazard fireworks (fountains, pin wheels, volcanoes and similar), and only around Halloween. Nobody may sell or offer for sale low hazard fireworks anywhere in the City. High hazard fireworks (rockets, shells, batteries and similar) may be sold only to a person with a valid Special Permit. The bylaw follows the federal Explosives Regulations for the low and high hazard classes. Caps for toys, Christmas crackers, sparklers and model rocket engines are not counted as fireworks.

Steps

1. Be 18 or older. Under-18s may not possess or set off fireworks.
2. Possess low hazard fireworks only from October 28 to the morning of November 1.
3. Set them off only from 4 p.m. on October 31 to 12:01 a.m. on November 1.
4. Use private property with the owner's consent, or public property with the written permission of the Director of Fire and Rescue Services.
5. For high hazard fireworks, or fireworks for film or other special effects, get a Special Permit from the Director of Fire and Rescue Services (fee $211). The applicant must supervise the display and hold a valid Fireworks Supervisor Card.

Good to know

• Roman candles are banned. Never point a firework at a person, animal, building or vehicle.
• The City's October 15, 2024 bulletin gives slightly different dates (possession October 28 to 31, setting off in the late afternoon and evening of October 31). The bylaw is the rule; confirm with Fire and Rescue Services at 604-519-1000.
• Bylaw notice: $300 for discharging fireworks without a permit ($250 if paid within 14 days); $200 for selling, possessing without a permit, or using without the owner's consent ($150 if paid within 14 days). A municipal ticket is $1,000 for each.
• Call 9-1-1 for a fire or injury.