Vancouver was supposed to be firework-free for Halloween 2021 — but you wouldn't know it if you were in the city on the weekend.
While the lion's share of commotion happened on All Hallow's Eve, Vancouverites were privy to noisy, electric displays throughout the weekend.
Numerous locals took to social media to share images and videos of the combustible theatrics in their neighbourhoods. The loud booms and crackling pops were heard at all hours. People shared videos of sparkling spectacles over English Bay, residential areas, downtown, and more.
Vancouver‘s first Halloween without fireworks, and here they are shooting across open fields towards people, and across streets at residential towers. ?¡á?
— St John Alexander (@ctv_stjohn)
At 3:07AM in Spanish Bay Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Fireworks instead of No Luck this weekend.
— ????? (@kari_dl)
You’re not going to get decades of collective experience to change and fireworks to actually stop in the lower mainland, no matter how spicy the take.
— BdblE (@MsYouDoYou)
Two blocks from councillor Pete Fry’s house.
— Stephen Quinn (@CBCStephenQuinn)
My friend’s top floor view form English bay tonight - HAPPY HALLOWEEN ?
— KuljeetKaila (@KuljeetKaila)
fireworks are only good when you stand directly underneath them ?
— Candice (@loveyourcake)
The jack-o’-lantern ? I carved has more teeth than this ban?¡â? still going strong at 11:45pm ? why approve a bylaw but not extra enforcement?
— Melissa De Genova (@MelissaDeGenova)
Listen?here?
P.S. I live within a block of a hospice. If it’s not enforced here, then where?
fireworks ban? ???????????????
— William Johnson ??? (@notionport)
Who ordered the fireworks in downtown Vancouver?
— ?? Katie Ujihisa ?? (@sandkatt)
Looks and sounds like a war zone out there.
— Stephen A. Braverman (@stephenbraverm1)
Halloween in .
— S A Smith (@Smith442Smith)
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»fireworks ban
On Nov. 1, 2020, the City of Vancouver’s ban on fireworks came into effect. Amid concerns of an increase in the sale and ignition of illegal fireworks or pyrotechnic fans simply turning to the online market, the ban passed with a 7-3 vote at city council. Ultimately, comments regarding fireworks’ impact on wild and domestic animals, their propensity to set fire to private property, and the sounds of explosions being especially triggering for people with PTSD won out.
Several locals expressed that policing the sheer number of individuals using fireworks isn't possible, however. Instead, some of them commented that they should be allowed in specific areas of the city or in shows that locals could enjoy.
Yeah I mean the war on weed lasted what 40-50 years and weed won. As the years go on fireworks well be homemade and far less safe. Fireworks well win the war on fireworks, city should have put on a few shows or allowed them in certain areas. They never learn
— Ryan Wagner (@DudeManly)
You’re not going to get decades of collective experience to change and fireworks to actually stop in the lower mainland, no matter how spicy the take.
— BdblE (@MsYouDoYou)
While the new rule may be difficult to enforce, many people stated that they are dangerous and pose a risk to people and animals. The BC SPCA said that approximately 49 per cent of dogs are fearful of loud noises such as fireworks, thunderstorms and gunshots, while roughly 79 per cent of horses show anxious behaviour during fireworks displays.
Other people commented that fireworks are responsible for many fires on Halloween weekend. In 2019, Vancouver Fire and Rescue reported over 360,000 worth of damages caused by fireworks. This year, however, Assistant Chief Trevor Connelly told Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» that there were under $10,000 in damages as a result of them.
Nor should they set off fireworks in a densely populated neighbourhood. It is bad for humans, terrified dogs, and agitated birds.
— Karen O'Kain (@karenokain)
people were still doing fireworks past 11 pm last night I barely got any sleep. they got no respect at all
— cat ? (@canucksedins)
These are not pretty July 1-style fireworks, which I love, but firecrackers etc set off in the streets. A few years ago one almost burned down our townhouse when it was tossed onto a patio with a gas heater. Between that and traumatizing our dog, they have lost all charm for me.
— Joanne Sasvari ?? (@joannesasvari)
thats some real mental gymnastics to justify your take here. One is not like the other. And to be clear, here's the impact fireworks have on animals
— ??????? (@malcolmert)
Know the fireworks ban is divisive but there was A FIRE at the side of our house last night cos people set off in the back laneway. Aside from small kids trying to sleep and dog freaking out til 1am on a Sunday, we need enforcement of curfews and safety.
— Cher Lee (@_CherLee_)
With this in mind, many locals continue to support fireworks in Vancouver. For people who don't appreciate their noise, one local commented, "Earplugs cost less than a dollar."
With files from Cameron Thomson and Chris Campbell.People who work enjoy fireworks.
— Hamish B (@hamishrb)
Earplugs cost less than a dollar.
Let it happen for one night. You’ll be OK.
