Fireworks- What a hotbed issue!

I will definitely come right out and say I no longer agree with having them. Sure there was a day when I enjoyed the show. I even purchased them and fired them off many times.

I have a few reasons that I feel justify my personal opinion.

First is the safety issue. Regardless of safety measures expected to be used, every year someone is injured by fireworks. Several years ago, I witnessed a horrific accident where a trained professional suffered life altering injuries. There is no need to take this risk for some Oooh’s and Aaah’s.

Next is the sound issue. Our pets and general wildlife are often freaked out by the constant boom, boom, boom! I don’t mean they are just a little intimidated, but our two dogs will usually curl up with their tail between their legs and simply shake and cower in fear.

It’s not just pets. Many of your neighbors suffer from PTSD and the constant thumping causes them great anguish. Many of those who suffer PTSD triggered by these noises have served our communities in ways few can truly comprehend. Out of sheer respect for them, this single reason is reason enough.

There is also an environmental issue with possible fires starting and also those birds and other wildlife who suffer because of fireworks.

Then, there is also the fact that even prior to going to market, fireworks can be a safety concern for those manufacturing, transporting or selling them. Street Factories, Child Labour and extremely unsafe working conditions are revealed constantly.

Probably the biggest issue is that quite simply, their time has come. If you want to look to the sky to see a light show, lasers and drones provide all kinds of incredible entertainment possibilities.

Very few politicians are willing to take a firm stand on this issue. They fear offending the segment of the population that still enjoys these pyrotechnics. There are some communities leading the way and they have banned the sale or firing of fireworks. Many communities have partial bans and in Wasaga Beach, we have sale and use restrictions.

But honestly, why have restrictions at all. Our Council has not apparently instructed our By-Law department to be thorough in their laying charges. I’m told that when you call to complain, you are instructed to make the complaint in writing and then bylaw will look into it. So… those committing the offenses just continue because many will not file the report. If they do, the investigation will likely start the next day when the offenders are long gone.

Proactive by-law enforcement is an issue for an entire new discussion, but I have been asked to point out how those offending seem to do so over and over. Why have a Fireworks Bylaw if it’s not going to be enforced. They don’t need a complaint. Just open the window of their vehicle, look up, follow the flashes and the bangs until they find the people with the lighters sending the next volley airborne. None of this will happen without the direction of Council!