Citing cultural, community and environmental impacts, the City of Calgary won’t be including higher altitude fireworks at the conclusion of Canada Day activities this year.
Instead, they’ve announced they’ll be piloting “an enhanced pyrotechnic show featuring a visually stunning display of lights and sounds” launched during the headline act at Fort Calgary on July 1.
The City said they’re recognizing the cultural sensitivities around fireworks displays in relation to Truth and Reconciliation. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act, and it’s a day of mourning and reflection, they said.
“This year we’re testing out a new way of closing out Canada Day festivities that addresses some of the cultural, community and environmental impacts previously experienced with traditional Canada Day fireworks,” said Franca Gualtieri, Manager of Arts & Culture at The City of Calgary.
“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.”
After requesting a clarification, the city said the pyrotechnic show will have “stage-level” fireworks. They will replace the higher-level fireworks done in the past.
The City said the controlled pyrotechnics are less disruptive to animals and wildlife. The show is also designed to reduce late-night traffic, noise and overcrowding issues in the fireworks viewing sites.
Further details on Canada Day activities will be released in June. You can check the city’s website for updates.
Other areas in Alberta, like Banff, had gone to a lower-level pyrotechnic show instead of the fireworks. Now, they won’t be including that either, according to their website.
