Fireworks debate reignites ahead of Canada Day
While the city of London gets set for a major fireworks display at Harris Park this Friday, it’s a day some in the community dread.
Kings University College and Fanshawe College student Becca Amendola has made repeated calls for a ban on fireworks. So far, she said her pleas to the city have been ignored.
“The council here in London has declared a climate emergency,” explained Amendola. “Fireworks cause particulate matter that never disappears. It kills animals, birds abandon, deer jump into streets, animals have heart attacks, people can actually have heart attacks."
Amendola, who has studied environmental geoscience and social work, said she has researched the effects of fireworks and believes they cause more harm than good
Emma Carrasco, who manages the Kaboom fireworks trailer at Masonville, said she agrees fireworks can be harmful to the environment. She doesn’t, however, believe there should be an outright ban.
Emma Carrasco manages the Kaboom fireworks trailer at Masonville, June 27, 2022. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)“A lot of people find enjoyment in them and they use them to celebrate holidays,” she said. “So I think for this reason they should be definitely more heavily regulated, but not entirely banned.”
Amendola, meantime, wants London to consider replacing public fireworks displays with laser shows — an option she said was used successfully in London’s Hyde Park neighbourhood recently.
London is scheduled to present Canada Day fireworks on Friday at 10 p.m.
The city says it will begin gathering community input online regarding the fireworks bylaw as early as this week. There are plans to update the fireworks bylaw next year. As for this holiday weekend, people should expect enhanced education and enforcement around setting off fireworks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.