Halloween revellers planning to celebrate the spooky season with fireworks are being reminded to keep clear of environmentally sensitive areas in Sidney.
Responding to community concerns about the possible noise impacts of fireworks on wildlife, the Town of Sidney updated its fireworks bylaw in 2023 to state fireworks cannot be discharged within 200 metres of four areas within Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
The four areas are Tsehum Harbour, Roberts Bay, KELSET (Reay Creek) and Lochside.
Following the bylaw change, the town worked alongside volunteers from the Roberts Bay Residents Group to help spread the word before Halloween, said Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith.
“We were pleased with how well community members complied with this new restriction,” he said.
And it is hoped residents will comply again this year.
“The evidence is clear that fireworks and wildlife don’t mix,” said Bob Peart, chair of Friends of Shoal Harbour. “Fireworks frighten and disorient migratory birds and wild animals. They scare these animals leading to subsequent behaviours that can have fatal results.
“For sure fireworks disrupt their natural feeding and roosting cycles which is detrimental to their long-term health.”
Penalties up to $10,000 can be placed on those who don’t abide by the fireworks bylaw.
Outside of the four ‘environmentally sensitive areas’, a fireworks permit must be obtained from the Sidney Fire Department.
