Impact 'limited': fireworks industry releases report on impact to air quality
The popular Montreal amusement park La Ronde typically starts its summers off with a bang, sending fireworks into the sky for the annual international fireworks competition.
Last year, however, smog and public health halted those plans after it was thought at the time that it would be unsafe to add more pollution to the already smoky air.
"If we want to avoid really high levels of particles, even if it's temporary over there, over the evening and overnight, then it just makes sense to not have that firework show tonight," said Montreal public health's Dr. David Kaiser in June.
On Wednesday, the fireworks industry released the results of an independent study that measured the level of fine particulate matter in the air after a 30-minute show.
"The good news is the impact is quite limited in space and in time and is probably more limited than what some would see or expected," said Canadian Pyrotechnic Counicl spokesperson Maude Furtado.
Air quality specialist Jean-Luc Allard conducted the study and said the impact is not negligible but is limited to the actual plume of smoke, and it dissipates quickly.
"If you look at criteria related to short duration, three hours in some cases, we have shown that there is some air quality deterioration," said Allard.
To that end, this year's fireworks festival is making some slight changes.
There will still be eight 30-minute displays throughout the summer, but they'll only be able to use fireworks for 25 minutes.
The rest of the show will be filled with lasers.
"We are aware that we have an impact, but as low as this impact is, I think it's, in terms of good citizens, we need to address those matters," said La Ronde president Sophie Emond.
For the industry, the issue is an existential threat.
Furado said dozens of towns across Quebec have already decided against fireworks shows for their St. Jean Baptiste Day celebrations because of public opinion.
"We're worried about the perception of the fireworks, and this is why we had this study made to kind of a counter, the myth surround by fireworks," said Furtado.
Montreal public health said it's happy the issue is being looked at, but will only comment once it has had time to review the study's data.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG
The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
Britney Spears settles long-running legal dispute with estranged father, finally bringing ultimate end to conservatorship
Britney Spears has reached a settlement with her estranged father more than two years after the court-ordered termination of a conservatorship that had given him control of her life, their attorneys said.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
A top Qatari official urges Israel and Hamas to do more to reach a ceasefire deal
A senior Qatari official has urged both Israel and Hamas to show "more commitment and more seriousness" in ceasefire negotiations in interviews with Israeli media, as pressure builds on both sides to move toward a deal that would set Israeli hostages free and bring potential respite in the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza.