QUIET FIREWORKS CONSIDERED TO AVOID ALARMING VETERANS

A Nova Scotia city councillor is pushing for quiet fireworks in Halifax out of concern the noise is alarming veterans and people on the autism spectrum. However some in the pyrotechnics industry say the idea is likely to fizzle when the City of Halifax views the high costs, while a veteran with PTSD notes not all people with wartime traumas react badly to the shows. An amended version of a motion proposed by Coun. David Hendsbee was sent to council staff on Tuesday, following a 13-2 vote in favour of further study. It requests examination of the cost and “possible benefits associated with using silent pyrotechnics over traditional fireworks.” A few other Canadian jurisdictions, including Banff, Alta., have abandoned fireworks displays, though in Banff’s case it was due to concerns over frightening wildlife.