Perhaps the time has come. The Cowichan Valley Regional District recently had a discussion where it was clear that many of the directors support the idea of banning fireworks in the district completely.
Currently, people must apply for a permit to put on a fireworks display if they want to be in compliance with local bylaws, however many don’t bother, and there is little enforcement.
But quite aside from the unlawful displays is the fact that even planned and permitted fireworks are really hard on birds, animals and even some people who find the explosions unnerving or even frightening.
Fireworks displays are a longstanding tradition for many in B.C., particularly around Halloween, New Year’s and Canada Day. Displays can be elaborate and beautiful. Many have fond memories of being awestruck by the showers of lights. However, it may be time to re-think this tradition of ours, due to the harms it is causing.
Foremost in the discussion at the board table was the effect on animals.
Many see their cats or dogs cower when fireworks start to go off, their hearing a lot more sensitive than ours for the most part, and a natural inclination to flee from such sudden loud noises an ingrained survival instinct. Some will howl or bark, others will hide in terror under furniture. Some caught outdoors will run away, leaving them vulnerable to getting lost or injured. Even worse can be the effect on larger animals like horses. Board chair Lori Iannidinardo described hearing from farmers who had been forced to put animals down after they had injured themselves in a bid to escape the cacophony created by a fireworks display.
When seen in this light, the cost for displays that are purely for our passing enjoyment is high.
Just how many people are setting off fireworks? In the CVRD’s electoral areas alone there were 35 permits issued in 2021, 10 denied, and 13 complaints registered. In 2020 there were 48 permits issued, 6 denied and three complaints. That’s an awful lot of fireworks, all over the place.
The CVRD board is correct that there will remain a problem with enforcement, as surrounding jurisdictions will continue to sell fireworks. But we imagine a blanket ban will actually be easier to police than what we have now, as there will be no confusion as to whether those fireworks your neighbour is setting off are allowed or not.
There are models we can look to, as the CVRD would not be the first community to ban fireworks. Time to find other ways to mark our occasions.