Back with a bang! Calgary will have Canada Day fireworks
It looks like Calgary will have Canada Day fireworks after all.
After announcing plans to nix the annual display in favour of "an enhanced pyrotechnic show," the City of Calgary abruptly reversed its decision, now saying there will, in fact, be fireworks.
The city announced in a May 18 news release that instead of the typical large-scale Canada Day fireworks, it would pilot a new "visually stunning display of lights and sounds" at Fort Calgary.
Officials cited cultural sensitivities around fireworks displays in relation to Truth and Reconciliation, and noted that July 1 also marks the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act.
The decision to cancel the fireworks wasn't made by city councillors, but by the City of Calgary's arts and culture department.
Many protested the change, including Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean and Calgary Nose Hill MP Michelle Rempel Garner, who implored the city to reverse the decision.
An online petition was also created by Common Sense Calgary, which, as of May 25, had more than 12,000 signatures.
Ten Calgary councillors even signed a notice of motion pushing for the city administration to include an aerial fireworks display as part of Calgary's 2023 Canada Day celebrations, provided it could be achieved within existing budgets.
"We had some questions, the other day, for city manager David Duckworth on why the fireworks were cancelled," said Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp. "Most of us still weren't satisfied with the answers.
"So yesterday, a couple councillors and I got together and wrote a notice of motion last night, submitted it this morning, and hoped to see those fireworks reinstated.
"It looks like since that motion has surfaced … They will be reinstating the fireworks."
On Thursday, the City of Calgary announced it would add a fireworks display back to its Canada Day celebrations.
“We have heard from many Calgarians as well as members of city council that while the pilot program is valued, they would also appreciate an aerial fireworks display to celebrate on July 1," Duckworth said in a news release.
"We are working with partners to confirm an appropriate site and will share details as they become available."
Officials say there are still other considerations to take into account, such as concerns about late-night traffic, noise, over-crowding, wildlife, and the environment, which will all be factored into the decision on where to have the fireworks.
"Plans to feature an enhanced pyrotechnic show at Fort Calgary will move forward, including a display of lights and sounds that will be launched from the main stage at Fort Calgary during the headliner act," said a news release.
Sharp says the notice of motion will still be discussed by city council next week to see if any other conversations need to be had.
Duckworth says the cost of an aerial fireworks display is "around $150,000."
'PRETTY STOKED'
McLean says he thinks the majority of Calgarians are "pretty stoked" to be getting the fireworks back.
He added that he had heard people saying they planned to set off their own fireworks if the city wouldn't have any.
"And we don't want that," he added.
McLean believes the wholesituation was an "oversight" on the part of city administrators.
"They didn't maybe think this one through."
Kristy Koehler from Common Sense Calgary says the group is "very, very pleased" to hear the fireworks are back.
"I think Calgarians are really excited about this, too.
"This is just a testament to what happens when you force your elected officials to listen to the things that you want."
For more information on Calgary's Canada Day celebrations, you can visit the City of Calgary's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince Harry gets his day in court against tabloids he accuses of blighting his life
Prince Harry entered a courtroom witness box Tuesday, swearing to tell the truth in testimony against a tabloid publisher he accuses of phone hacking and other unlawful snooping.

Here's what Quebec's wildfires look like from outer space
A photo taken from NASA show what the wildfires burning in Quebec look like from up above.
Ukraine accuses Russia of destroying major dam near Kherson, warns of ecological disaster
The wall of a major dam in a part of southern Ukraine that Moscow controls collapsed Tuesday after a reported explosion, sending water gushing downriver and prompting dire warnings of ecological disaster as officials from both sides in the war ordered residents to evacuate.
Poilievre threatens to filibuster budget bill if Liberals don't meet demands
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is threatening to use procedural tools to delay passage of the federal budget in the House of Commons if the Liberals don't meet his demands.
Canada's housing market sees largest improvement in affordability in four years: National Bank
Canada’s housing market saw the largest improvement in affordability in nearly four years in the first quarter of 2023, according to a report from economists at the National Bank of Canada.
About ducking time: Apple to tweak iPhone autocorrect function
One of the most notable happenings at Apple's event for developers on Monday is likely the iPhone maker's tweak that will keep its autocorrect feature from annoyingly correcting one of the most common expletives to 'ducking.'
Apple unveils a US$3,500 headset as it wades into the world of virtual reality
Apple on Monday unveiled a long-rumoured headset that will place its users between the virtual and real world, while also testing the technology trendsetter's ability to popularize new-fangled devices after others failed to capture the public's imagination
Facing evacuations due to a forest fire or flood? Here’s what to pack in a grab-and-go bag
While some natural disasters or bouts of extreme weather may require sheltering in place until authorities can restore power to the area, others require residents to evacuate quickly, sometimes in a matter of hours — and if you want to be prepared, you should create a grab-and-go bag.
Poor air quality, evacuations in multiple provinces due to wildfires
Wildfire smoke prompted warnings about poor air quality for many regions across the country, stretching from northern Alberta to the Atlantic.