58,000 people attend Canada Day celebrations at LeBreton Flats

Canada Day kicked-off what is expected to be a busy summer tourism season in the capital. CTV’s Peter Szperling reports.

The cleanup is underway across Ottawa after Canada’s 158th birthday celebration.

The main Canada Day party was at LeBreton Flats, with the popular noon show and evening show, along with fireworks to cap off the festivities. Canada Day celebrations were also held in neighbourhoods across Ottawa, including in Barrhaven, Kanata, Stittsville, Riverside South and Orléans.

Canadian Heritage says 8,000 people visited Lebreton Flats for the noon show, and 58,000 people passed through the site during the day.

“Our people counters are telling us we had about 58,000 people that came through,” Melanie Brault, Canadian Heritage spokesperson, told Newstalk 580 CFRA’s Ottawa at Work with Patricia Boal.

“Now, that doesn’t account for all the folks at the Supreme Court lawn or folks on Parliament Hill. I don’t have specific numbers for that, but I’ve seen photos, and as you mentioned, when the Snowbirds were flying over Parliament Hill was just packed with people.”

Brault said “we had a truly amazing day celebrating an amazing country.”

The Ottawa Police Service says there were “no major incidents” to report on Canada Day.

Two people were arrested for public intoxication on July 1, and the Ottawa Police Marine, Dive and Trails officers arrested one person for impaired operation of a boat.

Police brought in officers from other jurisdictions to assist with the operations on Canada Day.

Some people complained that the main Canada Day events continue to be held at LeBreton Flats, and not on Parliament Hill, where construction has limited the space on the lawn.

“I, along with my team, would love nothing more to be back in the most iconic Canadian location, which is Parliament Hill with our beautiful Peace Tower as the backdrop,” Brault said.

“The issue is that, yes there is space on the lawn, but when you start adding all the infrastructure – like the stage and all of the set up that you need in order to run the event the size of Canada Day – there’s no more grass left. That’s the problem.”

Brault said Canadian Heritage is working with Public Works and Procurement Canada, but it’s not known when Canada Day celebrations could return to Parliament Hill.

Canada Day events were held on Parliament Hill and the lawn of the Supreme Court of Canada on Tuesday.

Fireworks warnings

Bylaw Services officers have issued four verbal warnings for fireworks use.

Under Ottawa’s Fireworks Bylaw, fireworks are only permitted on June 30, Canada Day and July 2.

Bylaw Services Director Roger Chapman tells CTV News Ottawa Bylaw and Regulatory Services received 71 calls related to fireworks.

“Several investigations remain ongoing, and as such, BLRS is unable to provide further comment at this time. It is important to note that the 71 calls include some duplicate reports and inquiries regarding the Fireworks Bylaw,” Chapman said.

Throughout the Canada Day celebrations, BLRS worked closely with City of Ottawa departments and Ottawa Police Service partners to help ensure public safety and provide a safe, enjoyable celebration for both residents and visitors.”