The city of Mont-Tremblant had already imposed restrictions on fireworks. People who wanted to use them had to get permission from the community fire department 30 days before the event. The permit application itself had to contain, among other things, proof of insurance, the pyrotechnics certificate and a detailed list of the pyrotechnics used.

However, the city decided to go further and completely ban fireworks on its territory. We invite people to be creative and find other ways to celebrateexplains the mayor.

Ms Laverdure acknowledges that there are few studies on the environmental impact of fireworks, but that the existing literature confirms impacts on fauna and flora.

” It’s not that hard to understand: when you detonate chemicals, debris falls back into nature and can have repercussions. »

And since firecrackers are often thrown over a body of water to reduce the risk of fire, these chemicals, like perchlorate, are commonly found in lakes in the Ville de Mont-Tremblant area, explains Vincent Causse, director of the municipality’s environment and department for sustainable development.

If they get into the water, the products degrade less quickly. So it contaminates the fish, the fauna and the flora of our lakes. The goal was to reduce the pollution observed after the firing of fireworks on a fairly large scale.

Risks to human health

The environmental impact of fireworks can also affect human health, says André Belisle, president of the Quebec Association for the Fight against Air Pollution.

” Particulate matter and sulfur emissions can be very bothersome, especially for children, the elderly, or those with lung or heart problems […] People’s health must come first. »

However, it is necessary to qualify, he emphasizes. Occasionally, and given the right conditions (e.g. good wind and low humidity), fireworks do not necessarily pose a hazard. There are places where, unfortunately, pollution accumulates for all sorts of reasons. I know that was often the case in the village of Mont-Tremblant, the tourist village.

When you put people’s health first, yes, there are decisions to be made that can be troubling, but ending up in the hospital or in the graveyard is far more troubling.

Mayor Dominique Laverdure hopes that the draft law will be well received by the population and that the effort will be worthwhile. It’s beautiful, it’s her Fun, It’s festive, but these days there are so many other ways to create wow and entertainment than sending trash and chemicals into the wild.

I think the people of Mont-Tremblant are all united in preserving the environment and the beauty of our territory.

With information from Karine Bastien