Anyone buying fireworks in the city of Vancouver must be at least 19 years old and have a permit. Fireworks can only be sold or purchased between Oct. 25 and 31. Photo Dan Toulgoet
For some, fireworks are a huge part of what makes a holiday fun; they might even be the sparkling highlight of their night.
Not everyone feels that way, however.
There are those who find the explosive pyrotechnic devices annoying, a few who find them scary, and others who think that they're downright dangerous.
Last week, Vancouver City Council presented a motion that would make it illegal to buy or ignite fireworks anywhere in the city by 2021. Bob Kronbauer, our Editor-In-Chief, wrote an opinion about the proposal, which highlighted why some people support the ban and why others are against it, as well as his own thoughts.
The Vancouver Is Awesome Facebook post generated a rather heated debate, and people did not hold back on how they felt. The majority of people feel that the proposal should get the green light, but there were a variety of responses.
Have a look at a few of the comments from our readers who support the ban.
"I hope the ban is implemented. My dog is severely traumatized every year, and many other pets react the same way."
- Christina Peel
"A neighbor's house was burned down a couple years ago from fireworks through the window. Fireworks are NOT normal for Halloween. This city is weird, and no one else does this. "ARSON DAY!" Not to mention this system makes it way less exciting for children who want to break rules."
- Aaron White
"Totally ban them. I fully agree with this. It’s traumatic for people with PTSD and for pets. Not to mention the danger factor.
I grew up in a place where fireworks on Halloween wasn’t a thing, and we still had a fantastic time. This doesn’t make Vancouver “no fun city.”
- Heather Stewart
"Fireworks are just loud litter. Celebration at my city local museum that I had no idea was happening a miles from my home, huge amount of smoke and explosions echoing through the street I honestly thought it was a building exploding until I went into a room on our second floor to see the fireworks in the distance. I had to do many searches to find the announcement of what it was, pass by that museum almost everyday no signs before it happened advertising that it was planned."
- Marty Spatchcock Fowler
"I’ve personally seen two kids burned by fireworks (one in the face, one on their hands). If a ban could save a child from this, then yes, I’m in favour of a ban. It would be nice to see small neighbourhood fireworks displays put on by an official sponsor though."
- Lisa Person Nerpio
There were also some people who agreed that getting rid of fireworks was a bad idea that would surely add to the list of reasons why Vancouver just isn't that fun:
"No ban! Everyone had fireworks when I was a kid...they were awesome, a huge part of our annual neighborhood Halloween party, no one ever got hurt!"
- Steve Tong
"NO BAN. This will just add to the list of reasons why Vancouver is known as 'No Fun City'"
- Antony Guessed
Other readers mentioned issues with implementing a ban, such as religious holidays:
"Fireworks and firecrackers have a religious background they scare away evil spirits during the dark days. Fire crackers have a ban but they are allowed at Chinese New Year’s. It’s Diwali today and it wouldn’t feel like it if I didn’t hear fire works. Good luck trying to totally ban them, I think people will fight back or you will have to make laws."
- Myra Aràhkali Wōdenaz
And, of course, some Vancouverites just aren't sure.
"I'm not sure. I know it frightens my cat. But dam I played with them when I was younger. I'd hate to see us take the fun out of it for kids because of a few grumpy people."
- Michael Henderson
What do you think? Ban or no ban? https://t.co/7NLqul2SKU
— Vancouver Is Awesome (@VIAwesome) October 27, 2019
