The future is more uncertain than ever for the International des Feux Loto-Québec. Speaking of a “difficult decision”, La Ronde confirmed Thursday the cancellation of its first pyromusical show. But above all, it is still unclear whether the next seven scheduled for this summer can be held due to air quality. More generally, a reflection is underway on the future of this event.
“Our duty is to take into account the scope of our actions,” agreed Thursday the president of La Ronde, Sophie Émond, in a press briefing. She says canceling a fireworks show is a first for her organization “in 37 years”. “It was really a decision of force majeure which was difficult to take”, she slipped in a solemn tone.
For the rest, nothing is yet certain. “The day before each of the next seven fireworks, we will do the same consultative decision-making process with Public Health. […] We will go on a case-by-case basis, one week at a time, ”said Mme Émond without advancing further, adding nevertheless that “the health of Montrealers and Quebecers” will be the priority.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
Sophie Émond and the Dr David Kaiser
A sign that the cancellation is unforeseen to say the least, the fireworks equipment had “already been installed for three days in the launch tubes”, indicated the president. “Removing this material is tricky. We will need a minimum of 24 hours to do it safely,” she said, regretting that given the “logistical complexity,” Thursday’s event cannot be postponed.
Asked whether fireworks remain relevant today, Sophie Émond was however more optimistic. “For me, there is a future for lights, that’s for sure. There is a reflection that is in progress. For example, there are several types of pyrotechnics and that’s what we’re looking at right now, ”she offered.
The financial impact of several consecutive cancellations would be “obviously very important, both for us and for all the companies that benefit from this event each year”, argued Ms.me Emond. “The impacts would even be global for Montreal,” according to her.
” Something new ”
For the Deputy Medical Director of the Montreal Regional Public Health Department, Dr.r David Kaiser, today’s smog and air quality issues are “something new.”
We learn to manage this situation, but we have information that does not allow us to plan much in advance. Our particle level modeling, they don’t extend beyond 24-48 hours in terms of reliability.
Dr David Kaiser, Deputy Medical Director of the Montreal Regional Public Health Department
On average, Loto-Québec’s fireworks “are associated with concentrations that can go up to 200 or 300 micrograms of particles per cubic meter”, continued the Dr Kaiser. As for the smog that will fall on Montreal Thursday and Friday, it should generate “concentrations of approximately 150 to 200” micrograms per cubic meter.
“We realized, putting it all together, that if we wanted to avoid very high levels of particulates in the next few days, even if it’s temporary, it just didn’t make sense to keep the fires going. artifice, ”said the public health expert.
As of Wednesday, Environment Canada had warned that the air quality would deteriorate again in the days to come due to forest fires in northern Quebec, before a respite next weekend. It is in the wake of these warnings that La Ronde has chosen to cancel the first evening of fireworks of the International des Feux Loto-Québec, scheduled for Thursday.
In Quebec, the fireworks show that was planned on the Plains of Abraham as part of Canada Day was also canceled Thursday “due to the ban on fireworks in effect. currently in Quebec and out of solidarity with the communities affected by the forest fires,” announced the organizing committee.
Fire plumes are expected to affect the Outaouais and Montreal regions as early as Thursday. On Friday, fine particle concentrations should still be “poor” until the winds push the smoke north in the following days. The smog will not be as severe as during the historic episode this weekend, but the air quality will remain “concerning”.
With Vincent Larin