Halloween fireworks rules differ across Metro Vancouver, with fines from $500 to $50,000

Fireworks rules change from one Metro Vancouver city to the next. Vancouver, Richmond, Delta, the City of North Vancouver and Surrey ban fireworks in residential settings, while Burnaby, the District of North Vancouver, New Westminster and several other municipalities allow limited use on Oct. 31 or with a permit, according to city statements compiled by Daily Hive.

Fines for breaking the rules range from up to $500 in Delta to as much as $50,000 in Surrey, based on what the cities have said.

Why it matters

Ages, dates, permit costs and penalties all differ across the region, and in some places even buying or possessing fireworks is illegal. Where a ban is in place, the exceptions are narrow, such as an approved public display.

The gap in fines is large. Surrey says violators could face up to $50,000, compared with $1,000 in Vancouver and Richmond and up to $500 in Delta. Residents planning anything for Halloween should check their own municipality's rules first.

What we know

Bans

• Vancouver: Fireworks are banned under a bylaw introduced in 2021. The City says anyone caught illegally selling or setting off fireworks faces a $1,000 fine.
• Richmond: It is illegal to buy, sell, possess and detonate fireworks, and the city describes a zero-tolerance approach. Violators face up to $1,000. Residents can report violations at 604-278-1212.
• Delta: Fireworks are prohibited year-round. Violators could face up to $500.
• City of North Vancouver: There is a strict ban. The only exception is an approved public display, which needs a certified fireworks supervisor and a permit from the fire chief.
• Surrey: Displays are allowed only with a permit from Surrey Fire, and permits go only to larger-scale public events. Fireworks in neighbourhoods are "strictly banned in Surrey." The City says violators could face fines of up to $50,000.

Oct. 31 allowances

• District of North Vancouver: Fireworks can be discharged only on Oct. 31 between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
• Burnaby: Users must be at least 18. Low-hazard fireworks are allowed on Oct. 31 on private property with the owner's consent. Public property requires a permit. Selling fireworks in the city is illegal.
• New Westminster: Possession is allowed between Oct. 28 and Oct. 31. Fireworks may be set off only by an adult with the property owner's consent, on Oct. 31 from late afternoon to evening.

Permit-based rules

• Coquitlam: Buying and selling fireworks is not allowed. Only people 19 and older with a permit may set them off, and permits must be obtained 72 hours before the event.
• Port Coquitlam: Permits are valid until Oct. 31 at 11 p.m. Handlers must be at least 18. Roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets and screechers are prohibited.
• Township of Langley: A permit to discharge fireworks costs $115. A permit to sell them costs $1,500.

What happens next

Halloween falls on Oct. 31. Some of the allowances above apply only to that date, but the bans in Vancouver, Richmond, Delta and the City of North Vancouver are not limited to Halloween, and Delta's applies year-round.

Residents who plan to use fireworks should confirm the details with their municipality before buying or setting off anything. Anyone in Richmond who wants to report a violation can call 604-278-1212.