Drone show or fireworks?

Kamloops city council will considering whether to move ahead with a drone show or a traditional fireworks display for next year’s Canada Day celebrations.

This year, the city opted to stage a drone show instead of a fireworks display amid predictions for a hot, dry summer.

In 2023, predictions for gusting winds nearly halted the first Canada Day fireworks show in four years, and holiday shows in other cities were cancelled altogether due to dangerous conditions.

In a report prepared for Tuesday’s council meeting, city staff said this year’s 18-minute drone show cost $42,000 — more than double the cost of the 2023 fireworks show, although the city noted a one-time $10,000 grant helped to make the price more manageable.

The presentation involved 200 drones.

“The show received mixed responses. Those attending the park had an overwhelmingly positive response,” the report said.

“However, some people throughout the community expressed concerns that the show’s visuals were too low in the sky or that they did not know the show had started as it was not as loud as fireworks.”

The report said drone shows seem to be the future of Canada Day entertainment. The presentations can feature different images, don’t have negative impacts on people or pets startled by the noise, and shows can go ahead in dry conditions.

However, drones don’t have the sonic impact of fireworks, and they are more costly and less visible. This year, the city said the drone show couldn’t operate as high in the sky as intended and had to start early due to inclement weather.

In 2023, the city’s 15-minute fireworks show cost $20,000.

While fireworks are less expensive and more traditional for the holiday celebration, it’s a gamble as to whether the show can actually take place given weather conditions and fire risk.

“The [2023] show proceeded, but Kamloops Fire Rescue maintains the right to cancel it any time right up to the start based on weather and wind conditions,” the report said. “In 2022, the fireworks show was cancelled due to the weather.”

Next year, the city estimates the cost of providing a drone show will be about $45,000, while the fireworks show would cost $25,000.

“If the city did a drone show again, there would be a radio component advising people when the show was starting and providing them with an enhanced experience where they could listen to the music while watching it,” the report said.

“If possible, a minimum height would be maintained for the show.”

Council will put the matter to a discussion and a vote during next week’s meeting.