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Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK

Canada fireworks will return to Kamloops after the drone light show got mixed reviews.

People watching from Riverside Park were dazzled by the drone light show, but people elsewhere were disappointed, according to a report to city council.

The 2024 Canada Day show would have cost $20,000 if done with fireworks, while the light show cost $42,000, aided by a $10,000 grant.

Kamloops and Vernon both opted for drones this past Canada Day, while Penticton and Kelowna continued with their fireworks traditions.

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In 2022 the fireworks show in Kamloops was cancelled in advance due to wildfire concerns. It was nearly cancelled in 2023 until the wind died down and Kamloops Fire Rescue gave the OK ten minutes before start time. The high winds again risked the 2024 show and forced the drones to fly at a lower elevation.

That lower elevation was blamed in part for the unfavourable response to the drone show as it was more difficult to watch from outside Riverside Park. Residents complained that it wasn't as visible as fireworks from other vantage points, while the noise from fireworks would have also notified them that it had started.

"I know even in 2023, there are small, smouldering fires that come from some of the bigger chunks that actually land, but I can tell you fireworks in general, especially the consumer use ones, are a major cause of injury and fires across North America," fire chief Ken Uzeloc said at an Oct. 8 council meeting. "That's why the fire department does not support consumer use and sale of fireworks."

He said as long as wind conditions are OK, the fire department is not against fireworks in general.

"With events such as Canada Day, the event professional shooters are well trained and make good decisions," Uzeloc said.

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Uzeloc, who started as fire chief in Kamloops in August 2022, said it was wind that caused the greatest wildfire concern during professional shows. The department had cancelled the 2022 show in May, long before any wind conditions would have been known, suggesting a more cautious approach that summer which was following a devastating 2021 wildfire season.

Beyond the potential fire concerns, a common concern from naysayers to fireworks is the noise, which was the reason for one councillor's dissenting vote.

Coun. Dale Bass said her personal experience with fireworks includes a family member with severe anxiety that struggles deeply with the noise, while the staff report also noted an acknowledgement that people with post traumatic stress disorder can be triggered by the shows. Another complaint is the effect on pets, often scared by the noise.

"I am a past dog owner, so I remember our Dobermann would always have anxiety when he heard fireworks, but it wasn't from Canada Day, it was throughout the neighbourhood," Coun. Bill Sarai said.

He said people continue to light fireworks outside the single Riverside Park celebration and on other days like Halloween, suggesting the cost benefits outweigh the noise concerns.

Council ultimately voted 8-1 in favour of bringing fireworks back for the 2025 Canada Day celebration, with Bass casting the dissenting vote.

Despite a suggestion from Coun. Nancy Bepple that they decide which will be used for the at least an additional year, the 2026 Canada Day light show will be decided at a later date.

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