Dear Editor,
I am writing to express concern regarding the City of Richmond’s unilateral decision to only have a Halloween fireworks display at Minoru Park. Previously, these displays were hosted at five different parks across Richmond, including Minoru, Burkeville, Hamilton, West Richmond and South Arm neighbourhoods, which allowed a wider range of residents to enjoy them locally and helped provide alternative entertainment for families in neighbourhoods across the city. This accessibility was one of the key justifications when the City of Richmond moved to ban the public sale of fireworks.
Restricting the display to a single location creates barriers for those who may not live near Minoru Park or have easy access to transportation, while also requiring residents to drive to the event and working against climate goals. Families and community members who relied on these local displays to celebrate Halloween safely in their own neighborhoods may now find themselves excluded. Moreover, hosting fireworks in multiple locations spread out attendance, allowing for a more enjoyable experience while reducing crowding.
Personally, our family, like many neighbours, used to walk to South Arm Park each year for this very social event, meeting other neighbours, friends and families while seeing the excitement on the faces of children as they celebrated this magical evening event.
I understand city council never approved this change, residents were never consulted, and no public engagement of such a change was undertaken. I think residents are owed an explanation in light of this apparent arbitrary change by the city hall administration. There are always reasons, including financial considerations, to cancel public events yet during this time of greater public division, bringing people together brings value money can't buy.
Sincerely
Jerome Dickey
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