The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) has implemented a strict zero-tolerance policy on unauthorized fireworks following an incident on May 16, 2026, in the Saint-Michel neighborhood.
A 4-year-old child sustained leg injuries during post-match soccer celebrations.
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The announcement comes ahead of major sporting events in the city, including the NHL Eastern Conference finals, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the World Cup.
Authorities stated that officers will immediately intervene, seize equipment, issue fines up to $5,000, or make arrests whenever pyrotechnics are used without prior authorization.
Commander and strategic communications chief François Sauvé confirmed the child's injuries occurred at the corner of Jean-Talon Street and 6th Avenue.
He noted that those responsible could face criminal charges once the investigation concludes.
"These objects can seriously compromise public safety, and we reiterate the importance of respecting current regulations," Sauvé said.
The police department noted that specialized teams, along with foot, bicycle, and vehicular patrols, will closely monitor downtown areas and sectors likely to attract large gatherings to rapidly detect violations.
Prior to this incident, unauthorized pyrotechnics caused a minor fire at Everett Street and 18th Avenue, which was quickly brought under control.
Firefighters also extinguished fire residues under the REM viaduct at the Peel basin after a gathering of around 100 people on May 16 in the Sud-Ouest borough.
SPVM spokesperson Johany Charland reported that officers responded to the Sud-Ouest gathering at 9:11 p. m.
after calls about individuals, some hooded, lighting fireworks.
Another gathering of 100 people with smoke bombs and fireworks occurred earlier that night at Viau Boulevard and Viterbe Street in Saint-Léonard, though no fines were issued as the crowd had mostly dispersed into peaceful families.
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"When police arrived, the people had already fled," Charland said.
The police service indicated that no criminal charges are currently pursued for the weekend gatherings, though identifying individuals for infractions remains an option if the situation degenerates.
"It was very calm when police arrived," Charland noted.
The Montreal Fire Department (SIM) reiterated that fireworks are strictly prohibited during gatherings without prior municipal permission under recently enacted safety legislation, despite being available for purchase in local convenience stores.
"It can really go in all directions.
We all want to celebrate and that's normal, but we must do it safely," said Guy Lapointe, communications chief of the SIM.
SIM safety officials previously highlighted the severe fire and injury risks associated with unpermitted pyrotechnic displays following a similar unauthorized fan gathering near the Lachine Canal in November.
"If citizens want to carry out this kind of pyrotechnic display, they must first obtain authorization from the SIM," said Émilie Barbeau-Charlebois, section chief of citizen relations and awareness at the SIM.
In a separate incident on May 20, 2026, SPVM officers responded to the Julio-Jean-Pierre library in Montreal-Nord at approximately 12:35 p.
m. after at least one gunshot was fired inside the facility's restroom.
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No injuries were reported, and police recovered a shell casing while looking for two suspects who fled.
