Canada Day celebrations moving from Parliament Hill
There will be Canada Day celebrations in-person for the first time in three years this July, but they won’t be happening on Parliament Hill.
The Canada Day main stage will be at LeBreton Flats park just west of downtown Ottawa this year, Canadian Heritage said in a news release Monday.
“The Centre Block Rehabilitation project means the Canada Day main stage is moving to a new location in the heart of the capital,” the release said.
However, it added that “the iconic Parliament Hill will feature some activities.” No further details were provided on what activities Parliament Hill would host.
Parliament Hill has been the site of the Canada Day main stage for more than 50 years.
But this July 1, LeBreton Flats will host the daytime ceremony and evening show, among other activities. Another new location, the Place des festivals Zibi, will “feature programming for the whole family,” the release said.
Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill has been closed to vehicle traffic since the ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests occupied downtown Ottawa for three weeks in January and February. The road is typically closed for Canada Day celebrations.
Canada Day celebrations were held virtually the past two summers because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, officials had been planning to move the Canada Day main stage to nearby Major's Hill Park due to the construction planned on the Hill.
The Centre Block construction project is expected to be finished between 2030 and 2031. The $5-billion project is the largest and most complex rehabilitation project in Canadian history.
No one from Canadian Heritage was avaible for an interview with CTV News.
Yasir Naqvi is the Member of Parliament for the area that includes Parliament Hill.
“It is really exciting that the live Canada Day show is back after two years of being virtual because of the pandemic – it is taking place at Lebreton Flats because of the construction that is taking place on Parliament Hill,” he said.
“Because of the construction that is taking place at Centre Block it is just logistically impossible to put a stage and all the infrastructure that goes with putting a full-on Canada Day show, so Canadian Heritage has made the decision to move it to Lebreton Flats where there is ample space, not only for the stage, but also space to accommodate people.”
Naqvi couldn't say how long it might be before Canada Day celebrations return to the hill.
“I don’t have a precise answer to that. It is my understanding that it may be the case for the next few years because of the construction that is taking place that Canada Day will be at another location like we are doing this year at Lebreton Flats for 2022,” he explained.
“From a health and safety perspective, you have to keep it safe, you have to bring in large trucks to set up staging and everything that goes into putting on a very robust show for the entire day, back offices, space for artists, lighting, that is why the decision was made to move it to Lebreton Flats.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.