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UPDATE: Cultus Lake fireworks cancelled

Other events planned for the Canada 150 Trail Celebration Aug. 26 will go ahead
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Cultus Lake fireworks are going ahead Aug. 26 as part of celebration. (Jenna Hauck/ Progress file)

Despite extra safety precautions promised for the Aug. 26 fireworks at Cultus Lake, the event has been cancelled.

Cultus Lake officials had fielded messages of concern from the public worried about the safety of trees and forest around the lake given the current fire ban and the planned fireworks display.

The fireworks were planned as part of the Canada 150 Lakeside Trail Event at Main Beach on Saturday.

“Extra precautions are being taken, we will be watching the weather very closely this week especially any windy conditions,” said Cultus Lake Fire Chief Warren Mazuran.

However, with changing winds in the forecast, those precautions weren’t enough. On Thursday, the Cultus Lake Park Board announced the fireworks had been cancelled.

“In consultation with BC Wildfires/Ministry of Forests and based on the new low moisture index in this area and the change to northerly winds expected over the next few days the fireworks portion of this event have been cancelled,” wrote park board ommissioner Rose Turcasso on the board’s Facebook page.

That decision will come as a relief to some lakeside residents.

Janet Nickel contacted The Progress to say that some Cultus Lake and Lindell Beach residents are “very concerned” and disagree with the decision to go ahead.

“I believe this is sending the wrong message and holds a double standard,” said Nickel. “There is still a total fire ban on through out Cultus lake. This is one road in and out, can’t believe they are risking the small communities, like Columbia Valley, the Cottages at Cultus as well.”

All other events planned for the Canada 150 Trail Celebration will go ahead. The fun starts at Main Beach at 6:30 p.m.

The fireworks, meanwhile, have been rescheduled for Cultus Lake Days, June 23, 2018.



Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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