Ottawa councillors blast unannounced, belated Canada Day fireworks show
Posted on: Jul 10, 2026 23:50 IST | Posted by: Cbc
Fireworks illume up capital of canada skies after Bluesfest concert
An unheralded fireworks exhibit over downtown Ottawa surprised and confused many people late Thursday night. A councillor for the area said the decision was made by the city and federal government.
While the Ottawa Bluesfest music festival, which began Thursday at LeBreton Flats, occasionally includes fireworks for headline sets, Thursday's fireworks went beyond the festival's 11 p.m. Ending — and the start of the city's overnight noise limit.
"On a week night, so late, with no notice [is] unacceptable," Somerset ward Coun. Ariel Troster said on Facebook.
Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper said the city told him the fireworks were meant to be set off for the national Canada Day show which, along with other national events, were cancelled by major afternoon thunderstorms that brought flash floods and power outages.
"It was deemed by Canadian Heritage that it was safer to dispose of them that way rather than dismantle and move them, so they took this step in conjunction with Bluesfest," he said.
Leiper, who is running for mayor, went on to say that the city team handling special events decided not to tell people about the fireworks show to avoid a large number of people gathering outside of a major music festival, creating — as the city reportedly told him — an "event surrounding an event."
According to Leiper, the city told him: "After considering the available options, the potential public safety risks with encouraging additional attendance in the surrounding area outweighed the benefits of broader notification."
Leiper was angry at the decision and fundamentally disagreed with it, he wrote online.
"A no-notice fireworks show of this scale is completely inappropriate and legitimately frightened Ottawa residents," he wrote.
The fireworks lasted roughly 11 to 12 minutes from about 10:53 p.m., Leiper said.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.