More than a dozen businesses in Harrison Hot Springs wrote a letter to village officials to reverse the cancellation of this year's Canada Day fireworks. Ultimately, council voted to host the fireworks show during their meeting on Monday, June 17.
A single letter addressed to council and staff from "your local businesses of Harrison Hot Springs" asked council to reconsider.
"We believe this decision will significantly impact both our businesses and the wider community," the recent letter reads. "The Canada Day fireworks display has long been a cherished tradition in our village, drawing both residents and visitors together in celebration."
Acting Mayor Leo Facio said the village's Canada Day planning committee decided to cancel the fireworks due to forecasts of a dangerous wildfire season this summer. However, he later confirmed via social media on Wednesday, June 19, that fireworks will go ahead this year.
The letter also states that the business community has already faced the challenge of a difficult off-season and a recovering tourism market overall. While they understand the decision was made out of caution, the fire hazard may remain low enough to conduct a fireworks show safely.
"The event not only symbolizes national pride but also serves as a major attraction for tourists, which in turn supports our local economy," the letter writers state. "Many businesses in Harrison Hot Springs rely on the increased foot traffic and revenue generated during such holiday events."
The businesses that signed the letters include Black Forest Café, Village Pizzeria and Poutine House.
Canada Day is among the busiest days in the busiest season of the year for the village, drawing in thousands of people for patriotic celebrations culminating in fireworks off the shores of Harrison Lake.
During the regular council meeting on Monday, council voted 3-1 to reinstate Canada Day fireworks pending funding. Coun. Michie Vidal was opposed.
"I do support the decision to cancel our July 1 fireworks display as many other communities are making similar decisions not only for fire danger rating, but fireworks produce loud sounds, which have the potential to frighten both domestic pets and wildlife," Vidal said. "There's also an environmental impact as the fireworks colours are the result of the oxidizing of minerals which are toxic to the environment."
Coun. John Allen suggested firing off the fireworks on the lake away a significant distance away from shore to cut down on potential noise and fire hazards. He said without the fireworks, the village would be looking at "a very dull Canada Day."
Facio said another factor the committee originally considered was the expenses involved in Canada Day celebrations. Last year's funding through donations and government monies amounted to about $17,500 whereas the expenses ended up at $25,000.
"(The committee) couldn't finance the fireworks because it's been up and down for quite a while," Facio said. He added the estimated cost of the fireworks this year would be around $9,000.
Several municipalities throughout B.C. have embraced alternatives to fireworks. Earlier this month, Chilliwack officials announced the inaugural LED-lit drone show will conclude Canada Day celebrations at Exhibition Field.
No specific, alterative plans in lieu of fireworks were announced prior to the reversed decision. A variety of Canada Day activities are also on this year's schedule. This includes the annual Canada Day Pet Parade; this year's theme is "Garden Gnomes of Canada."
Fireworks were cancelled in Harrison Hot Springs last year due to wildfire danger.
There have been 10 wildfires in the Agassiz-Harrison area so far this year. The B.C. Wildfire Service listed a majority of the local wildfires as "under control" from the start, and most of them were under one hectare in size. The largest fire of the year to date was about 17 kilometres north of Harrison Hot Springs when a burning vehicle started an eight-hectare wildfire off of a forest service road.
As of Wednesday, June 19, the provincial government considers the wildfire danger in the Agassiz-Harrison area to be low.
