Harrison council refuses cancellation of Canada Day fireworks

More than a dozen Harrison Hot Springs businesses have written a letter to village officials to reverse the cancellation of this year’s Canada Day fireworks. Ultimately, the council voted to hold the fireworks display at its meeting on Monday, June 17.

A single letter addressed to the board and staff of “your local Harrison Hot Springs businesses” asked the board to reconsider its decision.

“We believe this decision will have a significant impact on both our businesses and the broader community,” the recent letter read. “The Canada Day fireworks display has long been a treasured tradition in our village, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate.”

Acting Mayor Leo Facio said the village’s Canada Day planning committee decided to cancel the fireworks due to predictions of a dangerous wildfire season this summer. However, he later confirmed via social media on Wednesday June 19 that fireworks would take place this year.

The letter also indicates that the business world has already faced the challenge of a difficult off-season and an overall recovery of the tourism market. Even if they understand that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution, the risk of fire may remain low enough to allow a safe fireworks display.

“The event not only symbolizes national pride, but is also a major attraction for tourists, which supports our local economy,” the letter’s authors say. “Many businesses in Harrison Hot Springs depend on the increased foot traffic and revenue generated during such holiday events.”

Businesses that signed the letters include Black Forest Café, Village Pizzeria and Poutine House.

Canada Day is one of the busiest days of the village’s busiest season of the year, drawing thousands of people for patriotic celebrations culminating with fireworks off the shores of Harrison Lake .

At Monday’s regular council meeting, council voted 3-1 in favor of reinstating the Canada Day fireworks pending funding. Advice. Michie Vidal opposed it.

“I support the decision to cancel our July 1 fireworks display, as many other communities are making similar decisions, not only in terms of fire risk, but fireworks produce loud sounds, likely to “scaring both domestic animals and wildlife,” Vidal said. “There is also an environmental impact since the colors of fireworks are the result of the oxidation of minerals that are toxic to the environment.”

Advice. John Allen suggested shooting the fireworks on the lake a significant distance from the shore to reduce potential noise and fire hazards. He added that without the fireworks, the village would have “a very boring Canada Day.”

Facio said another factor the committee initially considered was expenses related to Canada Day celebrations. Last year’s funding from donations and government funds totaled about $17,500, while expenses ultimately came to $25,000.

“(The committee) couldn’t fund the fireworks show because it’s been up and down for quite a while,” Facio said. He said the estimated cost of fireworks this year would be about $9,000.

Several municipalities in British Columbia have adopted alternatives to fireworks. Earlier this month, Chilliwack officials announced the first LED-lit drone show would conclude Canada Day celebrations at Exhibition Field.

No specific alternative plans replacing the fireworks were announced before the overturned decision. Various Canada Day activities are also on the program this year. This includes the annual Canada Day Pet Parade; This year’s theme is “Canada’s Garden Gnomes”.

Fireworks were canceled at Harrison Hot Springs last year due to wildfire risk.

There have been 10 wildfires in the Agassiz-Harrison area so far this year. The BC Wildfire Service classified the majority of local wildfires as “under control” from the start, and most of them were less than one hectare in size. The largest fire of the year so far occurred about 11 miles north of Harrison Hot Springs when a burning vehicle ignited an eight-acre wildfire near a logging road.

As of Wednesday, June 19, the provincial government considers the risk of forest fire in the Agassiz-Harrison region to be low.