There will be no fireworks in Gibsons this summer.
Council was due to discuss an offer from Howe Sound Pulp and Paper (HSPP) to put on a fireworks display in lieu of the show that would have been part of the now-cancelled Sea Cavalcade at the June 4 meeting, but the company has withdrawn the offer.
Mayor Bill Beamish said HSPP, which had hoped to put on the fireworks as part of its 110th anniversary celebration, changed its mind mainly because of the current open burning ban that includes fireworks, smoke already drifting into Howe Sound from other fires, and the anticipation that this summer would see higher than usual fire risks.
Beamish said while exemptions are often granted for professional fireworks displays, he was told by provincial officials those exemptions are far less likely this year because of the forecast for a hot dry summer.
Beamish said the Town received a lot of community feedback about fireworks, both for and against, as well as a few alternative ideas like lantern festivals, or a festival of lights in the harbour.
“Unfortunately not all the communication or discussions have been civil, and unfortunately that’s become a normal part of issues today – we can do better.”
Beamish also said HSPP is still willing to offer support and funding for another type of event, and the Town still has the $16,000 it would normally use for the fireworks show available.
“At this point in time we do not have any proposals or any costs,” Beamish said, and then made a call for the community to come forward.
“We need a proposal, we need volunteers and we need someone committed to making this project happen… Council is prepared to work with whoever wants to come forward with a plan as a group.”
Coun. Stafford Lumley suggested that HSPP might consider a fireworks display in the fall, when fire risks are low, as a way to involve the community in marking the Port Mellon mill’s anniversary.
Later in the meeting Lumley also said he’s been approached by a local business owner representing a group of people interested in getting involved to re-start Sea Cavalcade, or organize a new summer festival.
“These people have some really interesting ideas on how to take the pressure off the volunteers and take the financial pressure off the Town,” Lumley said. “There is something in the works and I can fully see next year the festival coming up again with a shiny new colour on it.”
