Do I require insurance to discharge display fireworks?
Yes! $5,000,000.00 of insurance is required. Refer to question “What information is required to apply for a permit?”
Is there a fee for the permit?
Yes, the fee is $101.00/hr. This includes the time to review the requirements for the permit along with an inspection of the site.
Is there a time frame prior to the display that I have to apply for the permit?
Yes. Permits are to be applied for thirty (30) days prior to the event. This allows for site inspections and time to ensure all requirements of the By-Law are met.
What are display fireworks?
“Display firework” means an outdoor, high hazard, recreational firework that is classed as a Subdivision 2 of Division 2 of Class 7 Fireworks under the Act, and includes rockets, serpents, shells, bombshells, tourbillions, maroons, large wheels, bouquets, bombardos, waterfalls, fountains, batteries, illumination, set pieces and pigeons but does not include firecrackers.
What are penalties for not obtaining a permit to discharge display fireworks?
Any person found to be discharging display fireworks without a permit is subject to fines as provided in the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter P.33.
What does "The Act" mean?
“Act” means the Explosives Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter E-17, and the Regulations enacted thereunder as amended from time to time or any Act and Regulation enacted in substitution therefore.
Where do I apply for a permit to hold a display of fireworks?
Amherstburg Fire Department
Fire Administration
271 Sandwich St S
Amherstburg, ON
N9V 2A5
519-736-6500
Who can discharge display fireworks?
Only persons that have been certified by the Explosive Regulatory Division as a fireworks supervisor and have obtained a permit issued from the Chief Fire Official allowing the display.
Who is the Chief Fire Official?
“Chief Fire Official” means the Chief of the Amherstburg Fire Department or their designate(s).
Why is a permit necessary?
A permit ensures the event will be conducted safely and the people involved are qualified to discharge the pyrotechnic special effects fireworks.
Are there conditions put on the permit by the fire department?
Yes! The following are conditions in the by-law that must be adhered to:
- the permit is valid only for the display at the place and on the date or dates set forth in the permit,
- the permit holder shall supervise the display of pyrotechnic special effect fireworks,
- the permit holder shall discharge the pyrotechnic special effects fireworks,
- the permit holder shall provide and maintain fully operational, fire extinguishing equipment ready for immediate use,
- the permit holder shall comply at all times with the requirements of the Act and the Pyrotechnics Special Effects Manual published by Natural Resources Canada or any successor publication and,
- a demonstration of the display or portions of the display shall be conducted upon request of the Chief Fire Official.
No permit holder shall discharge pyrotechnic special effect fireworks except in accordance with the conditions of the permit.
The permit holder holding the display of pyrotechnic special effect fireworks shall ensure that all unused fireworks and all debris are removed.
Every holder of a display fireworks or pyrotechnic special effect fireworks permit shall produce his or her permit upon being so directed by the Chief Fire Official.
All permits granted by the Chief Fire Official may be revoked whenever, in his discretion, the holder of such permit is in non-compliance with its terms or he has concerns for the safety of the public.
Can applications be refused?
Yes. If devices not permitted for use in Canada are being used.
Inadequate fire protection measures.
Improper clearances to fireworks display.
What information is required to apply for a display permit?
Every application for a permit must include:
- a description of the event including:
- a site plan of the facility and room capacity, the stage and the pyrotechnic special effect fireworks storage area;
- a list of all the pyrotechnic special effect fireworks to be employed,
- location of all pyrotechnic special effect fireworks;
- height, range of effect, fallout and duration of the display of pyrotechnic special effect fireworks;
- sequence of firing;
- location of audience and all exits; and
- date and time of the proposed event using pyrotechnic special effect fireworks;
- description of fire emergency procedures;
- name and address of the applicant and the sponsoring business or organization, if applicable;
- proof of certification of the applicant as a pyrotechnician;
- proof of insurance. The applicant shall provide and maintain Commercial General Liability insurance subject to limits of not less than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) inclusive per occurrence for bodily injury, death and damage to property including loss of use thereof. Such insurance shall be in the name of the applicant and shall name the Town of Amherstburg as an additional insured there under. Such insurance shall include permission to conduct displays of pyrotechnic special effects fireworks or display fireworks. Such insurance policy shall contain an endorsement to provide the Town of Amherstburg with (30) days prior written notice of cancellation or of a material change that would diminish coverage, and a Certificate of Insurance evidencing such insurance coverage shall be provided to the Town of Amherstburg prior to the issuance of a permit.
- proof of consent of the owner of the property to the discharge of pyrotechnic special effect fireworks in writing if the applicant is not the owner of the property;
- a processing fee as noted in the Town of Amherstburg fee structure (currently $101.00 per hour); and
- such other information as required by the Chief Fire Official.
- Currently $101.00/hour.
