Dear editor:
According to fellow Lynn Valley resident Peter Lovegrove, I am a malcontent because I am at least one person who wrote to North Vancouver District asking Council to consider banning fireworks for individual use.
I must confess I have never seen the point of fireworks - they are just loud and quite frankly boring to me, but I tolerated them until last year because others seemed to like them. But now in 2020, when we are finally seriously considering climate change and wildlife and habitat destruction, I can't help but consider the effect fireworks must have on the wildlife we say we cherish when I witness firsthand the effect they have on my beloved dog.
In addition, my morning walk after this most recent Halloween night was spent picking up countless leftover fireworks debris that I was seeking to prevent from ending up in our salmon bearing creeks of which North Van District has so many. Anecdotal evidence, yes, but evidence nonetheless.
Air, noise and water pollution result from fireworks. Damage is often caused to buildings and people. Countless stress is caused to pets and people who experience PTSD from similar sounds from their past (see Beckett Guardian article of July 4, 2018). Times change and sometimes for the better. A fireworks ban in North District would be a change for the better.
If these beliefs make me a malcontent, then so be it, but rest assured, Councillor Curren has my full (and I know others) support.
Joanne Bower
North Vancouver
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