Calgary reverses decision to cancel Canada Day fireworks

Looks like Calgary will have Canada Day fireworks.

After announcing plans to scrap the annual display in favor of an “enhanced pyrotechnics show,” the City of Calgary has suddenly reversed its decision, saying there will now actually be fireworks.

The city announced in a May 18 news release that instead of the usual large-scale Canada Day fireworks display, Fort Calgary will test a new “visually spectacular display of lights and sounds.”

Officials noted the cultural sensitivities surrounding the fireworks over truth and reconciliation and the 100th anniversary of China's immigration law on July 1.

The decision to cancel the fireworks was made by the City of Calgary's arts and culture department, not city councillors.

Many people protested the change, including the 13th District. Dan McLean and Calgary Nose Hill MP Michelle Rempel Garner asked the city to reverse the decision.

An online petition has also been created by Common Sense Calgary, which as of May 25 has more than 12,000 signatures.

Ten Calgary councilors have even signed a notice urging the city to include aerial fireworks as part of Calgary's 2023 Canada Day celebrations, if it can be achieved within existing budgets.

“The next day we had questions for City Manager David Duckworth as to why the fireworks were canceled,” said the 1st District. Sonya Sharp. “Many of us are still not satisfied with the answers.

“So yesterday I and a few councilors got together and wrote a motion notice last night, submitted it this morning and hopefully we'll see those fireworks reinstated.

“Ever since this movement started … They seem to be bringing back the fireworks.”

On Thursday, the city of Calgary announced it would add fireworks to its Canada Day celebrations.

“We heard from many Calgarians, as well as city council members, that while they appreciated the pilot program, they also appreciated the aerial fireworks to celebrate July 1,” Duckworth said in a press release.

“We are working with partners to confirm a suitable site and will share details as they become available.”

Officials say there are other issues to consider, such as nighttime traffic, noise, overcrowding, wildlife and environmental concerns, all of which affect the decision on where to hold the fireworks.

“Plans are moving forward for an enhanced pyrotechnics show at Fort Calgary, including a display of lights and sounds that will be activated during the headliner act from the main stage at Fort Calgary,” the press release said.

Sharpe said the notice of motion will still be discussed at the City Council next week to see if there should be other conversations.

According to Duckworth, the cost of aerial fireworks is “about $150,000.”

“Beautifully Woven”

McLean said he thinks most Calgarians are “very excited” to bring back fireworks.

He said he's heard people say they plan to set off their own fireworks if the city doesn't have fireworks.

“And we don't want that,” he added.

McLean called the situation an “oversight” by city administrators.

“They probably didn't think about it.”

Christy Koehler of Common Sense Calgary says the group is “very, very happy” to hear the fireworks are back.

“I think Calgarians are really excited about it, too.

“It just proves what happens when you force elected officials to listen to the things you want them to do.”

For more information on Canada Day celebrations in Calgary, you can visit the City of Calgary website.