LETTER – The debate over using fireworks at Halloween continues

Posted on October 30, 2024 in Feedback, Letters // 1 Comment

Dear Armchair Mayor,

With Halloween fast approaching, the mixed feelings about it are surfacing. In our cul de sac we have some 14 or 15 youngsters with one more on the way. The anticipation of dressing up and going door to door for “trick or treating” is a big thing for kids. It was for our family & we couldn’t afford expensive costumes.

In SW Ontario, the use of fireworks and firecrackers wasn’t part of Halloween back then and out there. But, here in Kamloops, firecrackers and fireworks have been part of the show for as long as I have lived here (1985).

In 1987, this house became our home and we’ve had pet dogs as part of the family ever since. Every dog was terrified of firecrackers and the flash-bang of fireworks. Our present dog, Buddy, hides in fear and trembles until the fireworks are over.

The debate continues: are fireworks part of Halloween or should their use be banned?

Buddy was sleeping in his cozy chair in the rec room when I thought I’d see how he would look wearing a jack-o-lantern slip-on headpiece. (The headpiece and necklace were donated to the little girl who lives next door to us). Buddy looks as if he is saying, “Please wake me up in time to enjoy trick or treats and the kids coming to our front door!” He loves all the fuss and fun of kids coming to the house for trick or treating.

So, Armchair Mayor and readers; any thoughts about fireworks on Halloween? KFR may already have banned fireworks but that doesn’t stop their use.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween.

JOHN NOAKES and sleepy Buddy,
Citizens of Westmount

Halloween

Dawne Taylor // October 30, 2024 at 9:59 AM // Reply

I was astounded when I came to Kamloops in 1995 to find out that fireworks were allowed. I grew up in Calgary and they were banned there in in the 1960’s. Communities could apply for a permit and hold a community event, but fireworks by individuals were banned. I assume that is still the case, even though Calgary is not the most progressive or liberal city in the country. In Kamloops with so much dry grassland, it is a no brainer – fireworks by individuals should be banned, and allowed only in a community setting.

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