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
Spring allergy season has begun. Where is it worse in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
'Nonsense:' Doug Ford slams lawsuits filed by Ontario school boards against social media platforms
Premier Doug Ford says that lawsuits launched by four Ontario school boards against a trio of social media platforms are “nonsense” and risk becoming a distraction to the work that really matters.
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Record-breaking N.B. lottery winner kept winning ticket on dresser for nearly a year
A New Brunswicker will go to bed Thursday night much richer than he was Wednesday after collecting on a winning lottery ticket he let sit on his bedroom dresser for nearly a year.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
King Charles calls for acts of friendship in first public remarks since Kate's cancer diagnosis
King Charles III gave public remarks for Maundy Thursday, addressing the importance of acts of friendship, following his and Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.
Fallen crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison
Crypto entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in prison for a massive fraud that unravelled with the collapse of FTX, once one of the world's most popular platforms for exchanging digital currency.
A dog and a bird formed an unlikely friendship. Their separation has infuriated followers
Peggy is a stout and muscular Staffordshire bull terrier, and Molly is a magpie, an Australian bird best known for swooping on humans during breeding season, not for befriending dogs. But in an emotional video posted online, Peggy’s owners announced that the animals had been separated.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.