Williams Lake City Council had a discussion surrounding the use of fireworks during the Halloween celebration.
A letter was submitted by the Williams Lake Trail Riders Association stating that the fireworks have a negative effect on the animals housed at their facility.
Council not only spoke on the concerns presented, but also touched on the environmental damage it brings.
The fireworks cost $6,500 per year and last 6 to 8 minutes, but last year was an exception as they lasted 18 minutes and costed $12,500 due to the Family Day events being cancelled.
Mayor Surinderpal Rathor spoke on the costs saying “If it was $30, $40, $50,000 I possibly would have backed off and reconsidered my decision.”
“The total cost is $6,500, if we can make thousand of kids and people happy with the $6,500, I think that money is well spent.”
A couple ideas mentioned at council included silent firework, or laser shows, however council members wanted to have a better understanding of the cost differential.
No decision was made on if the fireworks would be replaced, as the goal was to determine if council wanted to look at a list of alternatives.
Only Councillors opposed to looking for alternatives, were Scott Nelson and Sheila Boehm.