Canada Day fireworks, festivities happening in Ottawa despite air quality concerns | 24CA News
Canada Day celebrations are happening in Ottawa and throughout the nation on Saturday, though some have been scaled again as a consequence of poor air high quality.
Canada’s capital metropolis will see some festivities round Parliament Hill, however the principle leisure shall be at LeBreton Flats, simply west of downtown, the place celebrations are anticipated to return to a way of normalcy this yr.
The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled occasions throughout the nation for 2 years, together with in Ottawa. Then final yr, remnants of the “Freedom Convoy” protests that had clogged metropolis streets that winter created rigidity that disrupted the day and prompted some to be cautious of heading downtown.
The federal Heritage Department has a slate of actions deliberate all through the National Capital Region.
Changing of the Guard ceremonies will happen frequently between 10 a.m. and a pair of p.m. ET, and there shall be piping and drumming by the Royal Canadian Air Force at Parliament Hill.
If climate permits, the Air Force can be planning a flyover of Parliament Hill simply after midday.
The principal daytime present at LeBreton Flats begins at 11:45 a.m. ET and options performers together with Pierre Kwenders, Delhi 2 Dublin, Tyler Shaw, Josiane and Marie-Josee Dandeneau, in addition to speeches from dignitaries together with the Governor General and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
In a video message to Canadians, Trudeau mentioned Canada Day is a chance to rejoice the nation and the folks we share it with.
“After all, Canada is the envy of the world. People fleeing violence and persecution dream of a life here, businesses open headquarters in our cities and manufacturing plants in our towns and world leaders look to us for leadership in times of crisis,” he mentioned. “Wherever our flag flies, it’s recognized as a symbol of democracy, of freedom and of hope.”
He mentioned the nation has withstood challenges by working laborious collectively, together with now “when we step up to help those affected by wildfires.”
In her message to Canadians, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon mentioned Canada Day is a chance to replicate on what the nation has achieved and to contemplate what extra may be finished.
“While I have seen the commitment to making progress on the challenges we face, there is still so much work to do to create the country in which we want to live,” Simon mentioned in a written assertion.
“One where we walk together on the path of reconciliation; heal our planet by taking action to combat climate change; care for our mental health in the same way we do our physical health. One whose citizens are actively working to overcome obstacles to equality, fairness, justice and inclusion.”
Canada Day festivities are set to happen within the capital all through the day. A nighttime present at LeBreton Flats options performances by Jann Arden, Roxane Bruneau and Aysanabee amongst others. There may also be a brief Inuit-heritage exhibit at 100 Wellington St., a constructing devoted to Indigenous Peoples throughout from the Hill.
Across the river in Gatineau, Que., there shall be performances, together with an expert wrestling match all day in Old Hull. Canada’s nationwide museums, together with the National Gallery of Canada, shall be open and admission is free.
With every little thing occurring, many downtown Ottawa streets are closed, and autos will solely have entry to the Macdonald-Cartier and Champlain bridges.
OC Transpo is providing free service all day till 12 a.m. and a particular schedule is being put in place. Para Transpo can be free and accepting reservations.
Ottawa’s large pyrotechnics present is ready to go forward at 10 p.m. ET regardless of considerations about air high quality and smoke during the last a number of days, however that’s not the case in all of Canada’s main cities.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority cited rising prices for cancelling its fireworks show final yr, and mentioned the transfer is now everlasting.
Around Ontario, together with in Niagara Falls and Pembroke, exhibits are being cancelled due to the results from ongoing wildfires.
Fresh off a firework ban throughout St-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations final weekend, the social gathering shall be notably muted in Quebec, the place wildfires are nonetheless raging uncontrolled and fireplace bans stay in place.
Montreal and Quebec City have cancelled firework exhibits to face in solidarity with northern areas of the province that proceed to burn.
Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Toronto are all planning to go forward with their exhibits.
There are additionally firework exhibits happening throughout the Atlantic provinces, together with in Halifax for the primary time since 2019.
© 2023 The Canadian Press
