Canada Day Parade in Montreal cancelled for second consecutive year

Members of the Iranian community entertain the crowd during the annual Canada Day parade in Montreal, Tuesday, July 1, 2014. (Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The Canada Day parade has been cancelled for the second year in a row, with an organizer citing “ongoing planning disruptions” and the city workers’ strikes as reasons behind the decision.

In a media release, the parade’s main organizer, Nicholas Cowen, also pointed to strained relations with City of Montreal departments as another factor.

Last year, Cowen also cancelled the event, saying there was too much red tape when dealing with the city. However, at the time, the City of Montreal said that they never received a request for a permit.

The Canada Day parade began in 1977 and has welcomed thousands of spectators annually, according to Cowen.

Calling the decision “difficult,” Cowen said it has become increasingly challenging to organize the event without disruptions in recent years.

“Safety is our number one priority when it comes to large events such as the Montreal Canada Day Parade,” Cowen said.

“When different city departments of workers do disruptions, you no longer just have to focus on the safety of the public but the functional aspect of the event. If something was planned, are they going to do their jobs to the best of their abilities? This is a concern.”

He noted that disruptions have increased over time, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, and have become more unpredictable and difficult to manage.

“I do understand where the City of Montreal workers are coming from. Everything in recent years has gone up in price. The city workers do multiple minor disruptions to bring those to the negotiating table,” the organizer explained.

“While the mayor’s office had previously assured the organizer that these issues would be resolved, no meaningful or lasting solution has been implemented.”

He added that he hopes the relationship with the city will improve in the years to come. “This event is for the people, not for profit. I truly hope we can one day return to the streets of Montreal with a parade that unites us, not divides us,” Cowen said.

In a statement, the City of Montreal said that, as in the previous year, Cowen did not submit a project application despite repeated invitations from the city.

“Meanwhile, a land use permit was issued this year to Production EGP for the Le Canada en Marche event in Montreal, which will take place on July 1, in addition to the official annual event at the Quai de l’horloge.”