Mississauga — Diwali celebrations lit up the night skies across Mississauga earlier this week — and the phone lines at City Hall — as officials confirmed that fireworks-related complaints reached their highest level in city history.
Mayor Carolyn Parrish told council on Wednesday that at least 381 complaints were filed through the city’s 311 service during the Diwali festivities on Monday and Tuesday nights, surpassing all previous records. “That’s the highest number in history,” Parrish said, noting that the real total is likely higher, as “many more went directly to councillors’ offices instead of 311.”
The mayor also acknowledged incidents reported near the International Centre on Airport Road and on Drew Road, several blocks north, where large crowds gathered during the celebrations.
City officials said the final tally of complaints and any charges laid under the fireworks bylaw are still being compiled. By comparison, Diwali in 2023 saw 97 complaints and five charges, making this year’s figures a sharp escalation.
Under Mississauga’s current fireworks bylaw, residents were permitted to set off fireworks without a permit on private property from dusk until 11 p.m. on October 20 and 21, aligning with Diwali’s traditional festivities.
Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights — is one of only five occasions when Mississauga residents can legally use fireworks at home without prior approval. The other days include New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Victoria Day, Lunar New Year, and Canada Day.
City councillors had debated whether to impose a full fireworks ban ahead of Diwali this year, following growing concerns over public safety and noise complaints in recent years. However, after heated discussions and pushback from members of the Hindu community, who said a ban would amount to cultural and religious discrimination, council chose to tighten enforcement and public education instead.
“City staff had recommended a total ban to address misuse and dangerous large gatherings,” said Parrish. “But council decided on a balanced approach — stricter rules and better education.”
Bylaw officers were deployed in higher numbers this week to monitor celebrations and respond to misuse reports, according to the city.
While many residents celebrated peacefully with family and friends, others expressed frustration over the noise, late-night fireworks, and debris left behind. The city plans to revisit the fireworks bylaw again next year to determine whether the new measures are working — or if Mississauga will join other Ontario municipalities in moving toward a full ban.
As Mayor Parrish put it: “We want everyone to celebrate safely and respectfully — but clearly, this year showed there’s still work to do.”