A Canada Day tradition is being revived in London.
The City of London has announced it will host a major community fireworks display at Harris Park on July 1, the first such show to be held by the city since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
For the past two years the virus saw caps on social gatherings that shifted traditional festivities online and eliminated the colourful display in the sky. Now with those limitations removed, the fireworks are back on.
The free show will begin at 10 p.m. on Friday.
The city is encouraging attendees to walk, bike or take the bus to the celebrations as several roads around the park will be closed.
The closures, which will be in place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., include:
Queens Avenue from Ridout Street North to Riverside Drive and Wharncliffe Road North Dundas Street from Riverside Drive to Ridout Street North Thames Street from Dundas Street to Harris Park Gate Ridout Street North from Fullarton Street to Queens Avenue, currently closed for construction of the Downtown Loop The West London Dykes near Labatt Park Queens Bridge and Kensington Bridge (pedestrians will be permitted to walk across Queens until 9 p.m.)
Londoners who do choose to drive can take advantage of the city's municipal parking lots near Harris Park, including Lots 9, 12, 21, 6, and 20. On-street parking will be available for free on Canada Day.
The Ivey Park splash pad will be closed at 6 p.m., while the rest of the park and the public walkway in front of the HMCS Prevost on Becher Street will close at 7 p.m. to accommodate for the display.
For anyone planning on marking Canada's birthday with their own backyard fireworks display, should keep in mind private fireworks shows are only allowed between dusk and 11 p.m. That is in accordance with the city’s fireworks by-law, which can be found by clicking here.
In addition to the fireworks show, the London Heritage Council will host back-to-back days of celebrations on Dundas Place and Talbot Street. It kicks off with Night Market London from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday. The evening will include live entertainment from local artists, street performances, food and drink vendors, artisans, and a relaxation lounge with craft beer and wines.
From noon to 10 p.m. the following day, Canada Day London will be in full swing. The day will feature more live entertainment and street performers, a children's zone, Touch-A-Truck vehicle displays, and food and drink vendors.