Unexploded Canada Day fireworks were fired off during Bluesfest's opening night on Thursday, July 9, at approximately 10:53 p.m., without advance notice to residents or local councillors, sparking outrage from city officials and community members.
Councillors express frustration over surprise fireworks display
The massive fireworks display, originally planned for Canada Day at LeBreton Flats, was cancelled due to a heavy rainstorm that flooded homes and left thousands without power. Instead, the fireworks were launched late Thursday night for Bluesfest's opening night, catching many off guard.
Coun. Jeff Lieper took to social media to voice his displeasure, stating, “A no-notice fireworks show of this scale is completely inappropriate and legitimately frightened Ottawa residents.” He noted that the intensity of the fireworks brought back unpleasant memories of the Canada Day storms.
“Coming off the very intense storms we just had, and the general discomfort that people are feeling in a very unsettled time, the decision to take this step with no notice that I can discern is hard to understand,” Lieper wrote.
City and Heritage Canada defend decision
According to a note from city staff shared by Lieper, the fireworks lasted approximately 11 to 12 minutes near LeBreton Flats. The city explained that the decision not to notify residents was made jointly by Heritage Canada and the City of Ottawa, citing potential public safety risks. They feared that notifying residents would create an “event surrounding an event,” placing additional pressure on crowd management and city services.
“Staff recognize that the display has caused concern and disturbance for residents, particularly given the absence of advance notice,” the note read.
However, Lieper said he fundamentally disagrees with the city's special event advisory team's decision to forgo advance notice. Somerset Coun. Ariel Troster also expressed dismay, stating on social media that councillors received no notice. “It seems that Heritage Canada determined that it was safer to do this than try to remove the unexploded shells from Lemieux Island. But on a weeknight, so late, with no notice = unacceptable.”
Residents voice concerns on social media
Residents took to social media to share their frustration, describing the display as intense and unexpected. Many echoed the councillors' sentiments, expressing that the lack of notice was particularly troubling given the recent severe weather.
The incident has raised questions about communication protocols between federal and municipal agencies regarding public events and safety notifications. As of now, neither Heritage Canada nor the City of Ottawa have issued a public apology or outlined steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
