City of Calgary invites families to enjoy some Canada Day events

Calgary ready to celebrate The festivities and the fireworks are nearly ready for Canada's 152nd birthday. Stephanie Wiebe has details.

The City of Calgary will be helping the country celebrate its birthday in a big way on Monday, with events scheduled all over the city.

Some of the festivities include a Powwow and Indigenous showcase, food trucks, an artisan market and even a display by members of the Canadian military.

Mayor Nenshi says the day will be a time for Calgarians to connect with their country and their community.

"These milestone days remind us what we have in common with our neighbours and how much we all benefit when we come together," he said in release. "I'm looking forward to seeing Calgarians from all corners celebrating together."

“It’s going to be an amazing day. From 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., all down the Riverfront,” said Teresa Byrne, arts and culture superintendent for the City of Calgary.

She says there are 13 hours of program available until the fireworks display from the Centre Street Bridge caps off the day.

“Canada say is such a special day for everybody its amazing to see how many proud Calgarians come out to celebrate our nation’s birthday,” said Byrne.

The day is expected to close with live music beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Tim Hortons Canada Day Stage on Riverfront Avenue and a fireworks show at 11 p.m.

The neighbourhoods closest to Calgary’s Bow and Elbow Rivers will host an expected 400,000 people over the holiday.

Getting around

Calgarians are encouraged to walk, bike and take public transit to attend the events on Canada Day. Residents are reminded that transit schedules will be running on a Sunday level of service.

Some routes that use the Centre Street Bridge will also be detoured for the fireworks show. Anyone needing further assistance can contact Calgary Transit on Twitter as the regular call centre will be closed on July 1.

On-street parking is free on Canada Day, but time limits and signed restrictions are still in effect.

All City of Calgary administrative buildings, including City Hall, will be closed on July 1.

Welcoming new Canadians

Officials will be welcoming 50 new Canadians during a special citizenship ceremony at the Calgary International Airport on Monday.

The event, held at 11 a.m. in the International Terminal, is hosted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in partnership with the Calgary Airport Authority.

Outside the city

Parks Canada has waived admission fees for all visitors entering Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks and invites everyone to attend a number of activities in the Town of Banff and village of Lake Louise.

Visitors to Waterton Lakes National Park will also enjoy free admission to the park and are invited to participate in a bike parade through the townsite. Participants can decorate their bikes and then meet in front of the Waterton United Church at 10:30 a.m.

Parade watchers can view the procession from their favourite spot anywhere along Waterton Avenue.

Canada Day will also be celebrated at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton, starting with a welcome ceremony hosted by Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, at noon.

Free family entertainment will also be offered until 9 p.m.