Renewed call for fireworks ban in London, Ont.
There is a renewed effort to have fireworks banned in London, Ont.
The author of an online petition says the evidence is mounting that the negatives outweigh any enjoyment fireworks provide.
Deanna Ronson insists there are other ways to celebrate significant holidays.
For many the Victoria Day long weekend is the kick-off to the summer and fireworks are part of the that celebration.
For others, those fireworks bring anxiety, including those with dogs like Melissa Blackall, "I had one that had an ear infection and any loud noise would set her off."
While her newest addition, Cassini, has no issues, Blackall has a senior dog that struggles with the sounds, "He'd hide down in the basement," she said.
Deanna Ronson says there are numerous concerns for pets, wildlife and people, ranging from psychological impacts to environmental issues.
“I've found multiple studies done on the impact on the environment – heavy metals, particulates in the air," said Ronson.
Blackall adds that while she has concerns for pets, she's equally concerned about individuals arriving from war-torn countries.
"With the lights and the noise and the flash, I can totally understand the new Canadians and the kids being afraid of them."
Ronson has outlined her concerns in an online petition and is hoping it will continue to build momentum heading into the upcoming municipal election.
She's also been encouraged by conversations with city staff indicating that bylaw changes are being considered.
"I don't believe it when I'm told it can't be done, because it can and other places have done it," said Ronson.
She said there are cost-effective alternatives, including laser displays and silent flash fireworks, that don't dramatically impact the environment, animals or the people.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'oesn't get' the global phenomenom.
Tornadoes collapse buildings and level homes in Nebraska and Iowa
Tornadoes wreaked havoc Friday in the Midwest, causing a building to collapse with dozens of people inside and destroying and damaging hundreds of homes, many around Omaha, Neb.
opinion RFK Jr.'s presidential candidacy and its potential threat to Biden and Trump
Although it's still unclear how much damage Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy can do to either Joe Biden or Donald Trump this election, Washington political columnist Eric Ham says what is clear is both sides recognize the potential threat.
Cisco reveals security breach, warns of state-sponsored spy campaign
State-sponsored actors targeted security devices used by governments around the world, according to technology firm Cisco Systems, which said the network devices are coveted intrusion points by spies.
Loud boom in Hamilton caused by propane tank, police say
A loud explosion was heard across Hamilton on Friday after a propane tank was accidentally destroyed and detonated at a local scrap metal yard, police say.
Decoy bear used to catch man who illegally killed a grizzly, B.C. conservation officers say
A man has been handed a lengthy hunting ban and fined thousands of dollars for illegally killing a grizzly bear, B.C. conservation officers say.
Last letters of pioneering climber who died on Everest reveal dark side of mountaineering
George Mallory is renowned for being one of the first British mountaineers to attempt to scale the dizzying heights of Mount Everest during the 1920s. Nearly a century later, newly digitized letters shed light on Mallory’s hopes and fears about ascending Everest.
From New York to Arizona: Inside the head-spinning week of Trump's legal drama
The first criminal prosecution of a former president began in earnest with opening statements and testimony in a lower Manhattan courtroom. But the action quickly spread to involve more than half a dozen cases in four states and the nation's capital. Twice during the week, lawyers for Trump were simultaneously appearing in different courtrooms.