
Crowd watching fireworks/via 123rf
Kamloops City Council has voted to pursue a fireworks show for Canada in 2025.
Council was presented the options of either looking at a Fireworks display at a cost of about $25,000 or a drone show which would come with a price tag of about $45,000.
Councillor Margot Middleton says weather could play a factor in either option with wind conditions causing potential for cancellation. “I have a hard time authorizing or thinking we would pay upwards of $45,000 for a drone show that could potentially get cancelled and we are still on the hook for. I would be more in favour, if it is a risk or a gamble, that we take the lower cost option.”
Councillor Bill Sarai says at this point, trying to put on a fireworks display at about $25,000 seems to make more sense. “I would be more inclined to just see how this plays out. Last year was a one off. First time I’ve ever seen a drone show and it wasn’t very well received. We can all admit that. Can it be tweaked? Yes, but so can out fireworks.”
Councillor Stephen Karpuk noted that even is a show had to be cancelled due to weather, at least in the case of fireworks we would own that asset and be able to use them at a different time.
Kamloops Fire & Rescue Chief Ken Uzeloc was asked whether we have ever seen any fires stemming from a display that was put on by the city. “I know that even in 2023 there are little spot smoldering fires that come from some of the bigger chunks that actually land. But I can tell you fireworks in general, especially the consumer use ones, are a major cause of injury and fires across North America all year long. And that is why the fire department does not support consumer use and sale of fireworks.”
City staff will now move ahead with exploring a fireworks show.