Chilliwack set to have Canada Day drone show, no fireworks
Posted March 29, 2024 10:58 am.
The City of Chilliwack is set to become the first region in the Lower Mainland to nix fireworks for its Canada Day celebration and replace them with drones.
As much of southern B.C. deals with drought, and in turn increasing fire concerns, the city is moving away from combustibles in favour of a choreographed drone show.
Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove says the idea came after the city chose not to use fireworks last year.
“With last year’s fire ban, we had already purchased the fireworks, but we chose not to lay them off because it was a prudent thing not to do,” he told CityNews.
Popov explains the cost of the drone show would be roughly the same as fireworks.
“This drone idea was floated to us. Our staff showed us, gave us a bit of a look at a video of what it could look like. And I think it’s gonna be pretty cool,” he added.
Drones are able to operate in a variety of weather conditions, Popov explains, so regardless of the weather this coming Canada Day, the show will go on.
“I understand that we may be the only city in the community or in the Lower Mainland that’s actually doing this,” he added.
