Where we are located:

Eagle Harbour is located on the east side of crystal clear Lake Huron in the beautiful Northern Bruce peninsula and just south of several stunning nature reserves including Barney Lake, Hobson and Alvar Bay. To the south of us lies another pristine national park known as Singing Sands (considered an extension of the Bruce). Eagle Harbour also happens to be situated a mere stone’s throw away from the Bruce Peninsula National Park itself, part of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve. The park contains the longest stretch of undeveloped Niagara Escarpment and Lake Huron shoreline, protected for future generations. Biodiversity is the Bruce’s natural claim to fame, with a unique diversity of species that include species at risk. Globally rare Alvar ecosystems are also found here.  Streams, ponds, marshes and fens (wet meadows) are important ecosystems for birds, insects, amphibians and reptiles such as turtles. 
Source: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/bruce/nature

Why we are proposing banning all fireworks in Eagle Harbour:

A. The Hazardous effects that fireworks presents to the environment:

1. Fireworks are a significant source of pollution - comprised of a blend of toxic and dangerous chemicals, they contribute to climate change, pollute soil, ecosystems and waterways - in this case, Lake Huron.

2. Fireworks have a catastrophic effect on Birds, Insects & Wildlife. Fireworks have been proven to disrupt animal life by causing stress, anxiety and confusion that can result in serious, long lasting repercussions. Eagle Harbour (not unlike Dyer's Bay, which has recently banned fireworks) is situated within several important migratory routes for birds.  In addition, the diverse array of ecosystems in Bruce Peninsula National Park are also home to a wide variety of creatures that are presently at risk due to dwindling populations associated with climate change.

The big mixed forests are habitats for species such as Black Bears , Red-shouldered Hawks, Ovenbird, Fishers, Yellow-spotted Salamanders, Barred Owls, and Northern Flying Squirrels. In the park's wetlands and lakes, fish such as Yellow perch, thrive, insects buzz about and amphibians such as salamanders and reptiles, including the at risk Common Snapping Turtle, call the marshy lowlands home. Commonly seen wildlife species in the park include Red Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, Raccoon, Porcupine, Green Frog, Leopard Frog, Painted Turtle and Common Garter Snake. All of these are at additional unnecessary risk by the noise and pollution that fireworks cause. 

3. Fireworks cause extreme discomfort in domestic animals. Many residents of Eagle Harbour have dogs that experience major distress during firework displays.

4. Fireworks present a clear and present danger for wildfire occurrence. Situated next to a major national park, the potential for a catastrophic fire remains significant, especially given the current favorable factors related to climate change. 

5. Fireworks are a violation of the area's designation as a dark sky preserve. It's important to bear in mind that in some areas of Eagle Harbour, the Bruce National Park is less than 12 feet away from residents. The Park was designated as a dark sky preserve; which are protected areas that make a special commitment to protect and preserve the night, reducing or eliminating light pollution in all forms.

Sources: https://earth.org/environmental-impact-of-fireworks/

https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/the-devastating-effects-of-fireworks-on-pets-and-wildlife/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-fireworks-environment-wildlife-human-health-concerns-1.5218006

https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/experiences/ciel-sky

B. The Hazardous Effects Fireworks have on humans:

1. Fireworks , the intense volume and sounds of which typically mimic the sounds of gunfire and explosions associated with war zones, have been cited to strongly affect humans of all ages in both emotional and physical manifestations - particularly those that experience:

• Autism
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 
• Other chronic illnesses which result in extreme physical and emotional discomfort, nightmares, flashbacks and insomnia.

2. Fireworks can also cause:

• hearing loss
• eye injuries
• burns
• facial trauma
• hand fractures
• lacerations 
• breathing difficulties
• elevated heart rate
• inflammation

Sources: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-many-faces-anxiety-and-trauma/202007/fireworks-can-torment-veterans-and-survivors-gun

https://time.com/6991261/fireworks-health-risks/

C. Other Communities across Canada have taken this step.

Other than our friends over in nearby Dyers Bay - a growing number of communities have taken this bold step.  Here are a list of communities in Ontario and across Canada that have already followed suit in banning the consumer use and sale of fireworks:

• The City of Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• Brampton
• Woodstock 
• Milton
• Halton Hills

Several additional locales are enacting bans because of fire risks.

Source: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-fireworks-canada-ban-long-weekend/

D. Other options are available that are safer for communities.

There are several viable alternatives to fireworks available to people looking to present dazzling spectacles, such as drone shows and laser light shows; ideally re-located to a more appropriate urbanized area. 

It is our hope that this petition illustrates how the risks associated with fireworks far outweigh the benefits. The frightening and dangerous toxic chemicals associated with igniting incendiary gunpowder in such a locale surrounded by fragile ecosystems and essential migratory routes are not in the best interests of preservation and stewardship.

Respectfully yours,

The Citizens of Eagle Harbour.