The Editor
Last year at this time, I expressed my concerns about the city of Port Moody's decision to discharge fireworks in Burrard Inlet - an area rich in wildlife like purple martins, osprey, herons, eagles and harbour seals, to name a few - directly to Mayor Mike Clay and council.
I also consulted with several local animal groups. The BC SPCA supported my concerns, sending a letter to the mayor and council stating:
"Exploding fireworks create serious issues for animals in our communities:
Dogs who are normally friendly can sometimes act out of character, placing members of the public, including children, at risk. The strange sights and sounds can cause a normally friendly dog to bite if it feels scared or threatened.
The ban or restricted access of fireworks greatly improves the lives of local wildlife. In recent years, mass bird deaths in North America have been directed attributed to evenings of fireworks. Both birds and other animals can be scared out of dens and roosting sites, leading them to fly into houses and buildings and run into busy streets, to be injured or killed. Those not killed from the effects of loud noises and flashing projectiles, can be highly disturbed and suffer from reductions in natural feeding and breeding behaviours, as well as the abandonment of young in nests or dens.
Harmful smoke and garbage waste from fireworks are secondary threats to the health of local wildlife."
I am dismayed that this event is occurring once again. With a cost of approximately $30,000, does this short-term spark of "entertainment" need to come on the expense of the thousands of animals that call Port Moody home?
Consumer fireworks are already banned in North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Richmond, Delta, Surrey, Langley and New Westminster. I urge council ban all fireworks in the city of Port Moody.
Tracy Riddell,
Port Moody
