Canada Day celebrations at LeBreton Flats this evening, including the fireworks display, have been cancelled due to the extreme weather. Ottawa received more than 100 mm of rain on Canada Day, as a series of storms moved through the national capital region. The storm has flooded roads and highways and knocked out power across Ottawa. Canadian Heritage announced at 5:45 p.m. that the Canada Day evening show and fireworks have been cancelled due to the weather. “In the interest of public safety and due to extreme weather and the condition of the site, we unfortunately have made the difficult decision to cancel the National Canada Day Evening Show,” Canadian Heritage spokesperson Caroline Czajkowski said in an email. “The fireworks display has also been cancelled, along with all planned Canada Day activities. This decision has not been made lightly. The safety of the public, the performers, the volunteers, and the crews remains our top priority.” In a statement to CTV News Ottawa on Thursday, a spokesperson for Canadian Heritage said the event would not be rescheduled. “Given the artists schedules, logistical arrangements, contracts in place, and preparation and teardown requirements for both Canada Day and Bluesfest, rescheduling the event is unfortunately not possible,” Caroline Czajkowski, media relations spokesperson for Canadian Heritage, said. “All contracts that were put in place for Canada Day will still be honoured, as they included rehearsal and preparation for the event.” The popular Canada Day evening show at LeBreton Flats was scheduled to run from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., with performances from artists including the Barenaked Ladies, Alessia Cara and Isabelle Boulay. The show was set to be followed by fireworks. Canadian Heritage suspended all Canada Day activities during the afternoon at LeBreton Flats Park, Old Hull, Parliament Hill and in front of the Supreme Court of Canada due to the weather. Environment Canada had three separate weather alerts in effect for the Ottawa area, including an extreme heat warning, a severe thunderstorm warning and a severe thunderstorm watch. Snowbirds cancel final Canada Day flight The Canadian Forces Snowbirds cancelled a non-aerobatic display over Parliament Hill due to the weather. “Due to fast changing weather, we must unfortunately cancel any further flights today,” the Snowbirds said on Facebook. “We know how much this day means to so many of you, and we’re disappointed we couldn’t take to the skies over the capital this Canada Day. Thank you for your patience and support throughout the day.” This is the final Canada Day in Ottawa for the Snowbirds, with the fleet being grounded at the end of the season. Canada Day events in Ottawa cancelled The Canada Day in Kanata festivities, including the fireworks, have been cancelled tonight due to the weather. “Please be advised that due to the severe weather event taking place, the entertainment and fireworks planned for this evening have been postponed,” organizers said. “The Kanata Fair is also closed for the day due to the inclement weather and will reopen tomorrow at 11 a.m.” Organizers say the Canada Day in Barrhaven site has been shut down for the evening. The fireworks will be rescheduled for another date. The Stittsville Village Association says they have cancelled the Canada Day celebration at Sacred Heart High School and CARDELREC-Goulbourn due to the storm. The Canada Day fireworks show at the Richcraft Sensplex on Shefford Road has been postponed due to the weather. A spokesperson for Coun. Tim Tierney said the fireworks will be postponed to another date. The Manotick Village and Community Association says the drone and music show Wednesday night has been cancelled. The Riverside South Community Association said the fireworks display has been cancelled on Wednesday due to the storm. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa says its fireworks display is proceeding.
