The City of Surrey is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents on Halloween night, which coincides with the celebration of Diwali this year. With an increased focus on community enjoyment and safety, the city will be enhancing bylaw patrols to monitor activities and enforce regulations related to fireworks usage.
“Halloween and Diwali is a time for fun, but safety should always come first,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “To help residents and pets have a safe and happy Halloween and Diwali, Surrey Bylaw officers will be out to curb the unauthorized use of fireworks. Fines for the illegal use of fireworks have significantly increased and I encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly.”
Bylaw officers will actively investigate and track fireworks activity across Surrey, deploying in areas with high reports of fireworks use. Calls to the City will help identify these hotspots. Officers will respond to reports, gather evidence, issue tickets, and involve the RCMP as needed. Last year, bylaw officers visited over 500 locations and issued around 150 tickets.
Earlier this month, Surrey City Council increased fines related to the sale and use of fireworks. Halloween and Diwali often see a rise in unauthorized fireworks, which can cause injuries, property damage, and distress to animals. To discourage illegal fireworks use, new penalties have been introduced:
- Fireworks Bylaw: Minimum $400 fine, maximum $50,000 fine.
- Municipal Ticket Information (MTI): Maximum $1,000 fine.
- Bylaw Enforcement Notice (BEN): Maximum $450 fine.
“As we come together to celebrate Halloween and Diwali, it’s imperative that we prioritize the safety and enjoyment of all residents in our diverse community,” stated Joey Jatinder Singh Brar, General Manager, Corporate Services. “Our increased bylaw patrols will help enforce safety regulations while promoting a sense of respect for our neighbors and neighborhoods. Let’s work together to ensure our celebrations are enjoyable, secure, and in line with the rules that keep us all safe.”
Residents are encouraged to report any violations of the city’s bylaws, particularly unauthorized fireworks usage, by contacting the Surrey Bylaw Enforcement team at 604-591-4370. Do not call 911 unless there is an emergency.
Review Surrey’s fireworks regulations at surrey.ca/fireworks.
