A request from Santa’s Village to hold fireworks as part of their holiday celebrations fizzled out at the general committee this week.
On Tuesday Bracebridge councillors turned down a request from Santa’s Village for an exemption to the noise by law so they could hold nightly fireworks on December 27, 28, 29 and 30.
Town staff recommended the general committee turn down the request for various reasons. A staff report noted that over the past five years, Bracebridge bylaw has received an average of 35 calls per year concerning noise complaints from fireworks. The most common complaints are the negative impacts of the noise on animals and children.
Councillor Don Smith urged the committee to allow the fireworks to proceed. He said recent fireworks displays in the downtown area have been well received by the community, and Santa’s Village is an organization with all the hallmarks of putting on a safe event.
Councillor Barb McMurray said she believes the organization already has the proper safety procedures in place.
Several councillors took issue with the fact that the fireworks would occur over multiple nights.
Mayor Rick Maloney said he also had issues with the exemption, citing that it would take place over the holiday season when people are trying to relax. Maloney said he typically receives multiple phone calls during the year related to fireworks and their potential negative impacts on residents and their pets.
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You’ve got to be kidding….I’ve never met a kid in my life who didn’t love fireworks. Who’s really complaining here?
Totally agree with Bill. The squeaky wheel getting the grease! Here we have a local business, ready to have a celebration display of fireworks at no cost to the tax payer, to the pleasure of many, and we listen to a few! Time the town was considered and much like the 40klm speed limited expected, the majority are neglected! Sad day for Bracebridge!
What a shame! 35 people complaints ruined hundreds of those who LOVE fireworks!
Think about it, those who show up at a fireworks show (a few thousand at Canada Day) just LOVE fireworks. But you let the 35 complaints ruin it for them?
You’re listening to the wrong people!
Don’t ruin the fun.