If you asked municipal election candidates in Gibsons last year to predict the issues that might polarize the community, fireworks would probably have been well down the list, if it made the list at all.
But with the cancellation of the Sea Cavalcade, that seems to be what’s happening.
In past years the Town of Gibsons has offered financial support for a fireworks display during Sea Cavalcade, and had budgeted another $16,000 for that purpose this year before learning of the Sea Cavalcade Society’s decision not to go ahead with a full festival.
Council had discussed on a couple of occasions since whether fireworks could be incorporated into a different summer event, and last week they debated an offer from Howe Sound Pulp and Paper, which has expressed an interest in having “a lead role in supporting the 2019 fireworks display,” including providing funding and the professional help required.
Councillors were divided on whether to accept, and the issue will be back in front of them at the June 4 meeting.
In the meantime, residents are weighing in with letters and competing online petitions.
The “Yes” petition (tinyurl.com/y4apr9bj) preamble says, “The Fireworks bring family and friends together alike and it helps local businesses generate revenue. Those that are trying to ban the fireworks say they scare wildlife and birds. So does thunder and lighting. They say it pollutes. So do planes, Ferries and cars. Please don’t let the negative nellies stop this fun, family friendly event.”
The petition had 135 supporters as of Tuesday afternoon.
The “No” petition (tinyurl.com/y378mea9), which calls for an alternative to a loud fireworks display, draws much of its preamble from a May 22 letter sent to council from the Sunshine Coast Clean Air Society.
“Fireworks release large quantities of harmful particulate matter into the air along with potentially toxic metals. If the Ventilation Index is poor, these pollutants do not readily disperse such as was seen in Diwali celebrations in Delhi or recent Guy Fawkes events in the UK,” the letter says. “Birds are particularly sensitive to smoke pollution and the loud bangs may also cause them to die of fright. Last year, Banff switched to a quieter pyrotechnic display in consideration of the wildlife.”
There were 114 signatures on the “No” petition by Tuesday afternoon.
The slight edge in support of fireworks in the online petition responses is similar to the answers coming in to Coast Reporter’s latest Question of the Week, “Should the Town of Gibsons accept Howe Sound Pulp and Paper’s offer of a free fireworks display this summer?”
As of Tuesday afternoon it was a 60/40 split in favour of “Yes.”
Mayor Bill Beamish said council has also received several letters on the topic, but it may be the Coastal Fire Centre that gets the last word. Beamish said Town officials have been told the Category 2 open burning ban that will come into force May 30 could prevent a permit being issued for a fireworks display.
– With files from Sophie Woodrooffe
