Fireworks and pyrotechnics application

Display fireworks and pyrotechnic special effect fireworks require a permit from Ottawa Fire Services. For information regarding the sale and use of fireworks within the City of Ottawa, visit the Fireworks By-law (No. 2003-237) page. 

Details and firing location will be reviewed and approved by Ottawa Fire Services before the permit is issued. 

Note: Consumer fireworks displays on City property require a letter of permission.  

Timeline 

Apply a minimum of 30 days before the event 

Display fireworks requirements 

As per the Fireworks By-law (Bylaw No. 2003-237), Section 8, the display fireworks requirements are: 

• Description of the event including, 
  • date and time of the proposed discharge of display fireworks 
  • type and kind of display fireworks that may be discharged 
  • discharge techniques to be used 
  • manner and means of restraining unauthorized persons from attending too near the discharge site 
  • disposal of any unused display fireworks 
  • number of persons authorized to handle and discharge the display fireworks 
• Site plan providing a description of the discharge site to be used for the discharging of the display fireworks 
• Description of the fire emergency procedures; 
• Name and address of the applicant and the sponsoring organization, if applicable; 
• Proof of certification of the applicant as a Fireworks Supervisor; 
• Proof of consent from the owner of the property to the discharge of display fireworks in writing if the applicant is not the owner of the property 
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older to discharge fireworks or be under the direct supervision of a person at least 18 years of age 
• Provide proof of Commercial General Liability insurance of no less than five million dollars ($5,000,000) with the City of Ottawa as additional insured. 

Pyrotechnic event requirements 

As per the Fireworks By-law (Bylaw No. 2003-237), Section 18, the pyrotechnic event requirements are: 

• Description of the event including, 
  • a site plan of 
    • the facility 
    • room capacity 
    • the stage and 
    • the pyrotechnic special effect fireworks storage area 
  • a list of all the pyrotechnic special effect fireworks to be used 
  • 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 the audience and all exits 
  • date and time of the proposed event using pyrotechnic special effect fireworks 
• Description of the fire emergency procedures 
• Name and address of the applicant and the sponsoring organization, if applicable 
• Proof of certification of the applicant as a Fireworks Supervisor 
• Proof of consent from 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 
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older to discharge fireworks or be under the direct supervision of a person at least 18 years of age 
• Provide proof of Commercial General Liability insurance of no less than five million dollars ($5,000,000) with the City of Ottawa as additional insured. 

$77 due at time of application 

You must pay online by credit card (MasterCard, Visa and American Express), Visa debit, or MasterCard debit. A service fee of 1.99% is applied by the service provider, Paymentus Corporation. 

Display fireworks and pyrotechnic event form 

Your application will be reviewed by a Fire Prevention Officer within 30 calendar days. If the officer requires clarification or any additional information, you will be contacted directly. 

FirePrevention@ottawa.ca
613-580-2424 extension 15371