Drone light shows a potential firework alternative during wildfire season

Eager crowds usually gather this weekend across Quebec to watch a fabulous fireworks display forSt-Jean-Baptiste Day, but this year the sky will remain dark because of the record wildfire season.

In Quebec, a ban on outdoor fires in effect across most of the province north of the St. Lawrence River includes fireworks.

In Gatineau,residents won'tbe able to launch fireworks or use sparklers during the festivities for the June 24 and July 1 holidays, the city said in a news release.

There's an alternative to fireworks, some argue, that could still light the sky for St-Jean-Baptiste Day and Canada Day without fears of sparking a fire.

WATCH | 'Like beadwork appearing in the sky': Why organizers were pleasedwith their drone light show:

'Like beadwork appearing in the sky': Why organizers were please with their drone light show

1 year ago

Duration 1:04

Attendees to this year's Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival at Mdahk Farm in Ottawa took in a drone light show that told a creation story by elder and language keeper Barbara Nolan.

Drone light shows have become increasingly more popular, promoted as a quieter, more environmentally friendly and animal-friendly solution.

For this year's Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival at Mdahk Farm in Ottawa, organizers opted for such a display. Dozens of drones flew into the sky Wednesday night and formed constellations that told a creation story by elder and language keeper Barbara Nolan.

"For us on the farm, we have a lot of animals and horses that do not react well to fireworks and so it's just a really soft, sustainable way to still have that night sky experience,"saidTrina Mather-Simard, CEO of Indigenous Experiences.

A drone light show lacks the suddenflash and bang that can delightan audience duringa firework display. Still, Mather-Simard saidpeople at the festival were still captivated, with one person even describing it "as like beadwork appearing in the sky."

Drone business booming

It's all music to the ears of Anugrah Patel, who started Drone Light Show Canada in late 2020.

Based out of Manitoba, Patel's company uses the climate angle to market its services:"Zero pollution, clean solution."

He said his company has booked events across the country, including in Wakefield, Que.,for Canada Day.

Patel also said as the business grows, so does his fleet of drones: from 50 to 200. He is alsohiring more operators.

"We see people have started to accept these solutions and it's a different way of celebration, but it's unique," said Patel.

Mather-Simardexpects to see even more drone light shows with Canada's warming climate, but she acknowledged they are an expensive alternative.

"I think because it's so new. It's a newer technology," she said, adding there is hope for anotherdrone light show at next year's festival.