UPDATE: Although fireworks for Hallowe'en 2022 were curtailed by order of the CVRD (due to fire danger from drought conditions) we still need to make our message clear.  New article added to resource list below (as on Dec. 2022) 

Dear fellow Denman Islanders,

     Please endorse this call for an end to fireworks at future community gatherings if you agree it's time for humane alternatives here on Denman, allowing your name (and location, if applicable) to be visible. Anonymous endorsements may defeat the purpose here of communicating local community will. Thank you!

     On a related front, a new federal petition concerning fireworks (https://spca.bc.ca/ways-to-help/take-action/animals-in-the-home/fireworks/) has garnered thousands of Canadian signatures in a matter of days and is being promoted by our own provincial SPCA. Fire is a primary cause for concern where fireworks have already been banned. But the negative impact on wildlife, companion animals and traditionally farmed animals is being increasingly recognized as an unacceptable trade-off for the short term entertainment value of fireworks, in any season.

    Hallowe'en, however, has long been flagged as a particularly stress-filled time for animals by environmental and animal welfare organizations, animal caregivers, and scientists who monitor animal behaviour, thanks to the traumatizing, and potentially deadly affects of fireworks.

     Animals have no way of knowing that 'it will all be over in a manner of minutes' (when that is the case). We need only consider that a two minute earthquake tremor can feel like an eternity to those experiencing it. We have no power over natural phenomenon like thunder. But we do have the power to spare the animals who live alongside us unnecessary, and egregious distress.

     We, the undersigned, would prefer to see our valued Fire Department volunteers and Community Hall lead by example by eschewing fireworks in the future for alternative forms of community-focused entertainment that are more animal and eco-friendly. A laser light show, lantern festival, live performance with local musicians and fire spinners, are but a few ideas already suggested by local residents. Surely we are limited only by our imaginations and the will to change.

We thank you in advance for your consideration!

Informative Links:

Fireworks: growing evidence they distress wildlife 

federal petition regarding fireworks

Do Fireworks Harm Wild Birds?

How Fireworks Harm Non-human Animals

 BC SPCA - Fireworks and Hallowe'en Pet Safety

Bang Out of Order - RSPCA report on harms