Québec fireworks like chemical bombs
The authorities of Mont-Tremblant intend to ban fireworks.
The municipality of Mont-Tremblant — a popular ski resort in Québec — decided to ban fireworks whithin its territory. The main reason for the ban is concern for the environment.
"It's like sending a little chemical bomb in the environment," says Mont-Tremblant's deputy mayor Dominique Laverdure about using fireworks. She added that fireworks can cause wildfires, pollute lakes and scare local animals.
Laverdure noted that any holiday can be celebrated in a more environmentally friendly way. She hopes other Canadian cities will follow Mont-Tremblant's suit.
The initiative was supported by André Bélisle, the president of The Association québécoise de la lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique, an organization fighting air pollution.
"Sulphur particles are emitted that can be bothersome for people particularly children, seniors and people with respiratory or cardiac conditions," Bélislesays.
To buy and use fireworks in Canada, one has to be certified and obtain a special fireworks permit. Those who want to set off fireworks must follow strict rules: choose an appropriate location, keep the required distance from spectators and buildings, have fire extinguishers of a certain class and so on. Canadians most often launch fireworks in fall on Halloween and Diwali celebrations.
Each city has its own rules regarding fireworks. In Brampton and Vancouver, for instnce, individuals cannot buy and use fireworks, but the ban does not apply to the municipal government or the film industry. As a rule, the city authorities set strict conditions for issuing a fireworks permit.
The ban on fireworks in Mont-Tremblant will take effect on April 10.
