Ford International Fireworks: safety reminders, road closures & alternate transportation options
WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Ford International Fireworks: safety reminders, road closures & alternate transportation options
The Windsor Police Service is proud to support our community during the Ford International Fireworks, one of the region’s most iconic and highly anticipated annual events.
This year’s celebration will take place on Monday, June 22, 2026, with the fireworks display set to begin at 10:06 p.m. and last approximately 24 minutes. With large crowds expected, we remind all attendees, especially families to take note of the following safety information, road closure details, and alternate transportation options.
Child safety tips
To help keep children safe during the event, we urge all parents and guardians to take the following proactive steps:
- Take a photo of your child at the start of the evening in the clothing they are wearing.
- Ensure your child has identification (if age-appropriate) and knows a parent or guardian’s phone number.
- Choose a designated meeting spot ahead of time in case you become separated.
- If your child becomes lost, report it immediately to the nearest police officer.
- COMPASS stations along the waterfront can also be used as designated safety waypoints and meeting locations. Each station has a unique Location ID that can help emergency responders quickly identify your location if assistance is needed.
These simple precautions can make a vital difference and help police reunite lost children with their families.
Road closures
Many streets in the downtown area will have restricted access beginning at 6 p.m. on the day of the event. Vehicles parked in the restricted areas labelled “no-parking zones” will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. Please take a look at the map for full details on road closures and no-parking zones.
Drone safety
Attendees are reminded that drone use is prohibited during the Ford International Fireworks event. Under Canadian Aviation Regulations, drones cannot be flown at advertised outdoor events without the appropriate Transport Canada authorization. Unauthorized drone use can pose serious risks to public safety, emergency responders, and aircraft operating in the area. Drone operators during the event will be subject to enforcement action, and significant fines.
E-bike and e-scooter safety
Attendees using e-bikes and e-scooters are reminded to exercise caution when travelling to and from the event. Due to large crowds along Riverside Drive and the waterfront, riders should slow down, remain alert, and be prepared to dismount in congested areas. Riders must obey all traffic laws and operate their devices safely and responsibly to help prevent collisions and injuries.
Windsor Police will be actively monitoring for unsafe operation of e-bikes and e-scooters throughout the event area.
Alternate transportation options
To reduce traffic congestion, attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, or use public transit. Transit Windsor is offering residents free bus services for the evening. In addition, park ‘n’ ride shuttle buses will operate from Devonshire Mall, located at 3100 Howard Avenue, beginning at 6 p.m. and continuing until 9:30 p.m. Shuttle buses will pick up passengers on Sydney Avenue at Devonshire Mall. Shuttle buses will begin loading at 6 p.m. and continue until 9:30 p.m. Return shuttles will depart immediately following the fireworks and will continue until approximately 12:15 a.m. or until all passengers in line have boarded a bus back to their vehicle at Devonshire Mall.
For more information on the event, please visit https://www.visitwindsoressex.com/event/ford-fireworks-guide/ and https://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/transit-windsor/fireworks-shuttle
