The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is inviting all residents to join in a two-day, activity-packed celebration of Canada Day on June 30 and July 1.
Parade Details
The parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Main Street and Franklin Avenue and will flow south on Franklin Avenue, finishing at the corner of Riedel Street and Clearwater Drive.
June 30 Festivities
Festivities beginning a day early on June 30 will take place at MacDonald Island Park – SMS Equipment Stadium, with a free community concert featuring Canadian artists Derina Harvey Band, Tyler Whelan, Shantelle Davidson, and Matty Parlee. At 7:00 p.m., the skies will light up with fireworks that residents can enjoy until 11:00 p.m.
July 1 Celebrations
Red, white and orange are the colors of the day on July 1, with a hearty pancake and Bannock breakfast to start off the morning at Kiyam Park from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The parade will begin immediately after at 10:00 a.m., with family-friendly celebrations continuing at MacDonald Island Park – SMS Equipment Stadium from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Soccer Events
Joining in the celebrations for the first time is the Fort McMurray Youth Soccer Association (FMYSA), inviting a variety of ages to participate in a day of soccer fun. Younger players, siblings and families are invited to Howard Pew Park from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., featuring a designated 'Little kickers zone', mini obstacle courses, face painting and photos. The Syncrude Athletic Park is offering a separate experience for more seasoned players from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with games including kickathon challenges, pre-registered 5-A-Sides, accuracy shooting and fastest shot competition.
Road Closures
Residents are advised to plan travel routes ahead of time as minor delays are expected during the parade. The RMWB has advised the following road closures on July 1:
- Clearwater Dr. from Main St. to Riedel St. (city side southbound lanes only) for float marshaling from 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Clearwater Dr. from Main St. to Riedel St. (river side northbound lanes only) will be two-way traffic lanes from 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Father Mercredi St. at the intersection of Father Mercredi St. and Clearwater Dr. for float marshaling from 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Hardin St. at the intersection of Hardin St. and Clearwater Dr. for float marshaling from 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Main St. from Clearwater Dr. to MacDonald Av. from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Franklin Av. from Morrison St. to Alberta Dr. from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Riedel St. from Franklin Av. to Clearwater Dr. from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
As the parade passes, intersections will reopen. To help reduce hold-up, drivers are asked not to follow the parade and instead to turn in the opposite direction when exiting.
Transit Detours
For residents commuting via transit, the RMWB has advised of detours. Spectators are reminded to give way to parade floats and watch from the sidewalks or behind the barricades.
