KLA Town Hall, March 19, 2024:
Future of KLA-Organized Fireworks

Between 20-25 cottages were represented at the Town Hall, which took place on Tuesday evening, via Zoom. The following is a brief summary of the points raised by participants during the discussion. These are not the opinions of KLA board members, but of residents on the lake who attended the meeting. 

• There is an excessive amount of garbage left on Umbrella Island and in the water, and it takes many hours to clean up. It is the responsibility of those launching fireworks to prevent accidents and clean up debris, and the KLA failed to clean up adequately in 2023.
• Fireworks are a valued tradition; the KLA could hire professionals to put on the show in order to ensure safety.
• Lakes without a central display have many more smaller displays throughout the season.
• Many smaller and larger displays are already occurring on Koshlong, the central display does not seem to be preventing this.
• While fireworks have been a nice tradition, we are more aware of risks than 30 years ago, and it may be time to look into alternatives.
• The KLA has received a special discount on fireworks but may not have this doing forward; inflation is increasing the cost.
• There is currently no volunteer on the KLA board able or willing to operate the fireworks; they are dangerous and injuries have happened, one resulting in an ER visit.
• The KLA should make decisions based on values set forth in the Lake Plan; much consultation and effort was put into developing that.
• Minden Hills has implemented a by-law with permit and penalty fees in order to prevent fire and other risks to the environment.
• The KLA cannot control what other residents/guests do, but can reduce their own impact on the lake environment.
• The current by-law for Highlands East can be found here: https://www.highlandseast.ca/en/news/fireworks-by-law-and-restrictions-in-effect.aspx
• An anonymous survey of all members was endorsed by participants in the meeting.

In addition to the above discussion, the KLA has received following comments from members (via email) between August 2023 and March 2024. These points were shared with participants in the Town Hall prior to discussion:

• Fireworks are expensive, disruptive, a fire hazard, and cause air pollution.
• There’s a high risk of accidents with so many boats moving around after dark.
• We should advocate for more restrictive by-laws like Minden Hills
• Eliminate fireworks due to the harm to wild and domestic life.
• The KLA should be stewards of the lake and leave it beautiful for future generations.
• Users of Umbrella Island find fireworks waste all season long.
• Recommend that everyone on the lake cease and desist.
• The understanding of our environmental footprint has changed since the KLA fireworks began, it’s time to let it go.
• Direct the funds to other activities with less environmental impact.

• It’s a tradition our family looks forward to every year.
• Control fireworks by using Umbrella Island.
• Fireworks are an inclusive event that builds community spirit.
• When considering the number, the cost per attendee is a good use of funds.
• It’s better to have one controlled event than multiple around the lake.
• Fireworks are one of the few times multiple generations come together.