No Canada Day fireworks for Calgary this year

The City of Calgary is going without fireworks at this year’s Canada Day celebrations.

Instead, there will be an “enhanced pyrotechnic show” featuring what they describe as a “visually stunning display of lights and sounds” that will be launched from the main stage at Fort Calgary during the headliner act.

The city says it recognizes the cultural sensitivities around fireworks displays in relation to Truth and Reconciliation.

Also, July 1, 2023, marks the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act, a day of mourning or reflection for some Calgarians.

Franca Gualtieri, manager of arts and culture at the City of Calgary, says it’s a test to address some of the “cultural, community and environmental impacts previously experienced with traditional Canada Day fireworks.”

“Over the next year, we’ll engage with citizens, community groups and cultural groups to collect feedback to understand Calgarians’ preferences for Canada Day programming, which will help guide future decisions around Canada Day fireworks,” she said in a news release.

In addition, the city is offering diverse, educational, and inclusive programming for Calgarians to celebrate culture and community.

The city says fireworks can negatively affect wildlife, with the location of the main stage aligning with Canada’s Migratory Bird Act, which does not “permit disturbances to nearby nesting birds during breeding and nesting periods.”

They say the show will mitigate “disruptive late-night traffic,” noise, and the overcrowding of parked cars on residential roads so emergency services can reach people in case of an emergency around fireworks viewing sites across the city.

More information can be found about Canada Day celebrations online.