UPPER NAPPAN, N.S. – A motion to eliminate funding for Springhill and Parrsboro Canada Day fireworks from the Cumberland County budget was voted down during a recent meeting of Cumberland County council.
“I thought we were doing our best to try to save every dollar and it seems to me money for fireworks doesn’t fit that criteria,” said councillor Lynne Welton before a vote on the motion.
The cost of the fireworks for each town is $5,000, for a total of $10,000.
Deputy warden, Joe van Vulpen, said the former towns of Springhill and Parrsboro should be supported with fireworks.
“It is a tradition, it’s a big part of those communities, it’s a birthday party for Canada, and if they need funding to do it, then so be it,” said van Vulpen.
Councillor Don Fletcher made a motion to pull the funding for fireworks, and the motion was seconded by Welton.
Councillors voting alongside Fletcher and Welton were: Dan Rector, Ernest Gilbert and Mike McLellan.
Councillors who voted against the motion to withdraw funding for fireworks from the budget was: van Vulpen, Maryanne Jackson, Barbara Palmer, Marlon Chase, Paul Porter, and warden Allison Gillis. Councillors Doug Williams and Norman Rafuse did not attend the council meeting.
