Family fireworks may only be set off on private property and with the homeowner’s consent.
Fireworks are not allowed on City property. This includes parks, fields and roads.
Permits are not required the day before Victoria Day and on Victoria Day, and the day before Canada Day and on Canada Day. You will need a permit to set off fireworks on all other days. Under the Provincial Offences Act, violators may be fined up to $5,000.
Applications for Family Fireworks Permits must be made online at least seven days before the planned event date.
Family Fireworks Permits cost $208.50. The City collects this fee during the online application process
Apply Online
Types of Fireworks
You may only burn “Family Fireworks” in the city, with a permit.
- Acceptable Family Fireworks
- Showers
- Fountains
- Sparklers
- Pinwheels
- Roman candles
- Similar devices
- Unacceptable Fireworks
- Cherry bombs
- Flash crackers
- Firecrackers
- Throw-down torpedoes
- Step-on torpedoes
- Smoke bombs
- Table rockets
- Similar devices
How To Safely Use Fireworks
If you set off family fireworks, you must:
- Have a fully operational fire extinguisher ready for use.
- Use fireworks that have been approved for sale or use in Canada.
- Secure the fireworks in a stable base, like a bucket of sand. Before they are lit, fireworks should be buried at least half their length in the bucket of sand.
- Use a safe lighter. This could be a butane BBQ lighter or ignition stick.
- Light the fireworks at arm’s length, stand back and keep your face turned away. If a firework fails to light, do not attempt to re-light it. Let it sit in the base for 10 to 15 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Never throw or point fireworks at people.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Never discharge fireworks in metal or glass containers.
- Never discharge fireworks or use sparklers indoors.
- Always be aware of your surroundings when using fireworks.
- Only responsible adults should supervise and set off fireworks.
- Keep spectators (including children) a safe distance away from the fireworks display. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to know how far away spectators should be so everyone stays safe
- If you are hosting your own backyard fireworks display, make sure you have the proper sized yard and that there are no buildings or trees nearby.
- Dispose of defective fireworks according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Dispose of fireworks according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or soak them in water overnight.
- Never leave fireworks unattended.
How to Properly Dispose of Fireworks
- Improper disposal of fireworks can cause fires. Never put used or unused fireworks in the Blue Bin.
- Before disposing of used or unused fireworks, soak them in water overnight and put them in your household garbage once they have cooled.
Facts About Firework Safety [PDF]
You need to have a permit to burn an open fire in the city. You must also notify the Fire Department on the day that you burn. The permit fee is $208.50.
Apply Online
Time Restrictions
The City of Markham allows open fires during specific dates and times.
Location Restrictions
Burning permits are not issued for locations South of 17th Avenue and West of 10th Line (Reesor Road). This is true even if the by-law conditions are met. In these locations:
- Recreational burning (corn roast, marshmallow roast, etc.) may be permitted if all by-law conditions are met.
- Burning construction/demolition materials is not permitted.
- Burning vegetation from the site (tree clippings, small shrubs, etc.) is permitted at the discretion of the Fire Prevention Officer.
- Chimneys, outdoor furnaces, etc. for recreational purposes is permitted if all by-law conditions are met.
Material Restrictions
Only these materials may be burned:
- Clean wood, brush, or vegetation
- Material cannot exceed 1.5 square metres in area
Precautions
You must have equipment and resources nearby:
- Rakes
- Shovels
- On-site water
- People to help control the fire
Contact Information
For more information, contact Markham Fire & Emergency Services at 905.415.7521
Parking by-law 2005-188 requires an application form for a Fire Access Route. The processing fee is $208.50 plus HST (Fee by-law 2008-122).
How to Submit an Application
To apply for a Fire Access Route:
- Complete the Fire Access Route Application Form
- Make payment of $208.50 plus HST
- Provide a drawing of the site plan
- Submit these items to:
Markham Fire & Emergency Services
101 Town Centre Boulevard
Markham, Ontario, L3R 9W3
What Happens Next
We will return a copy of the fire route plan to the property owner. We will also provide a list of sign suppliers and sign guidelines.
A final site inspection of the Fire Access Route construction and signage is required before sign-off and enforcement begins.
Application Materials
Download these application forms and information pieces:
Contact Information
For more information, contact Senior Fire Prevention Officer Jason Scovell at 905.477.7000 extension 3420.
Residents and business owners in the City of Markham can ask for a fire code inspection. You can also ask for a fire code file search.
- The fee for a full inspection is $ 207.50 plus HST.
- The fee for a file search is $135.50 plus HST.
Apply Online
Most buildings require a fire safety plan. It is Ontario law (Ontario Fire Code Division B, Section 2.8).
A fire safety plan helps protect residents from fire. It ensures that safety systems, equipment, and procedures are ready for use. The plan is unique to each building. Plans should be reviewed when there are changes in the use or features of the building.
If your building is larger or complex, you should hire a consultant to help you prepare the fire safety plan.
Submit Drawings
You will need to send us a fire safety plan, a site plan, and a floor plan. You can send these in two ways:
Remember:
- Include the building address for the plans
- Include your contact information
- Name all of your files with the street address of the business. For example: “101 Town Centre Blvd.doc”, “101 Town Centre Blvd Site Plan.tif”, “101 Town Centre Blvd Floor Plan.jpg”.
Contact Information
Fire Prevention Division
Markham Fire & Emergency Services
905.477.7000 extension 2210
jscovell@markham.ca
There may be the existence of two dwelling units often referred to as a basement apartment within your home. It is your responsibility as the owner, to comply with the Ontario Fire Code (“Code”), the Ontario Building Code and City of Markham By-Laws as applicable. The information included in the document "Owners' Guide to Two Dwelling Units in Your Home" provides you with resources so that you will be able to legalize your existing two dwelling unit home and achieve code compliance.
Contact Information
Fire Prevention Division
Markham Fire & Emergency Services
905.477.7000 extension 2210
gmacris@markham.ca
Residents interested in information on Adding a New Second Dwelling Unit to an Existing House may find it here: http://www.ontario.ca/page/add-second-unit-your-house
For additional information on zoning or permit requirements, contact the Contact Centre at 905-477-5530 and request the desired Department.
