I’m writing in response to the blatantly, totally inconsiderate actions of many Powell Riverites last night with their need for over-the-top fireworks displays that went on well into the evening.
I cannot understand how local retailers can sell these things just willy-nilly to anyone who walks in their door. Oh sure, it’s money they see but do they give any further thought as to the capability of the buyer to use them, or where they will set them off, or how they will dispose of them?
Retailers, in future please rethink your need to supply these disturbing and damaging things.
We live on the corner of Field Street and Manson Avenue, in a residential area with hills right across the road. The noise started before 7 pm and went on past 10 pm.
The blasts came from all directions within the neighbourhood, not an open field or lot safely away from homes. Of course all the noise reverberated off the hills, resembling very much a war zone to the point that our windows vibrated.
Our 14-year-old dog hyperventilated all night after being subjected to such excessive noise for such a drawn out timeframe. The same went for neighbours’ dogs. I can only imagine what seniors or those with PTSD suffered through.
For Pete’s sake, it was only Halloween, not the end of COVID-19. One half hour display would have been plenty, in a clear, centrally located spot, away from residential areas, and be done with it by children’s bedtime on a school night, which in my day was not 10 pm.
Let’s get this changed for any upcoming occasions that, should they absolutely require fireworks, are organized so people can opt to go to and observe them, not done in every neighbourhood.
Restrictions should be in place for the sale of all fireworks; perhaps prohibit sales to the public completely and sell strictly to trained event organizers.
Dawn Janz is a City of Powell River resident.
