Police in Kitchener warn fines will be issued if fireworks are set off in Victoria Park on Canada Day

Police in Kitchener warn fines will be issued if fireworks are set off in Victoria Park on Canada Day

Warning comes after park was closed on Victoria Day for reports of illegal fireworks

Canada Day is just two days away and Waterloo regional police are warning the community about setting off fireworks at Kitchener’s Victoria Park.

In a social media post last week, police said there will be no organized fireworks displays in the park on Wednesday and are asking people not to attend the area to set off personal fireworks.

"With Victoria Park, because of issues that we've had in the past, we're just reiterating and letting it be known that any use of fireworks within the park is strictly prohibited and enforcement will be completed there by officers," Const. Chris Iden told CBC News.

Iden said downtown Kitchener will be busy with other Canada Day events happening in and around the area and police are urging the public to be safe.

"This is a very public event and any type of misbehavior may not just lead to charges, but it could result in somebody being seriously hurt and that's what we want to avoid," he said.

"That's why it's important to just take those precautions, be responsible, be respectful and just enjoy the day without having any issues."

The warning comes after Victoria Park closed during the Victoria Day long weekend due to hundreds of people gathering and setting off personal fireworks, which led to several arrests.

Please be advised that there are no organized fireworks displays in Victoria Park (Kitchener) on July 1, 2026.

Do NOT attend the area to set off personal fireworks. This poses serious safety risks and may damage park property. Fines may be issued for non-compliance.

Help keep… pic.twitter.com/lIOgaam9x2

Fines will be issued, police says

Iden said there will be a large police presence in the downtown on Wednesday and fines will be issued if people are conducting in any illegal behaviour.

"We have various of acts that we can enforce and that's why we're just letting people know that we are very strict this year and we will be issuing tickets if we see anybody essentially doing something illegal," he said.

On its website, the City of Kitchener said fireworks are only allowed to be set off on private property between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.

"Fireworks must be set off over 10 metres away from any building or structure, and by people aged 18 or over," the city said, noting fireworks are not allowed to be set off in public spaces like parks, roadways and schoolyards.

"Setting off fireworks outside of the permitted areas and times could result in a minimum fine of $1,500," the city said.