The reasons put forward by the Picton Recreation Committee for eliminating Canada Day fireworks border on the ludicrous. The sad case of a runaway dog was the result of its owner’s negligence.

The responsibility of pet ownership includes protecting your pet from harm. Being unleashed and exposed to the possible traumatic effects of the owner’s or a neighbour’s decision to set off fireworks does not demonstrate responsible ownership. They had to know that loud noises frightened it. The dog was in a strange place and allowed to be off-leash? A devoted dog came to a tragic end because of sheer stupidity.

The area of Marsh Creek mentioned is actually the closed Delhi Park landfill site—previously Picton’s municipal dump. Water and sediment testing has shown that six ground water contaminants and 12 sediment contaminants exceed potable water standards. All of these contaminants are found at Picton’s water intake. Any negative effects resulting from a 15-minute fireworks display pale in comparison.

Many families look forward to that public celebration in the park. Not having an organized public fireworks display on Canada Day will only encourage a greater number of people to buy their own.

And to complain about the “bags and bags of litter and debris left behind by spectators” is no more than a shallow comment about disrespectful behaviour which is all too pervasive. Littering happens at any public event no matter where it is. To those of us who are responsible citizens and do not litter, this comment is insulting.

It is sad to see the unhappy changes that have been taking place in Picton, many of them brought about by people who have no idea of what certain traditions mean locally.

It was not the Delhi Park Canada Day fireworks that scared that poor dog. Cancelling the fireworks cannot protect our pets. First the loss of the Cenotaph Park Christmas tree, and now the elimination of a Canada Day institution.

What’s next?

Conrad Biernacki

Black River PEC