Toronto's Canada Day celebrations cancelled
Last Updated: Friday, June 26, 2009 | 9:28 AM ET
CBC News
It's appears Canada Day is going to be a big fizzle in many parts of Toronto, with festivals, celebrations — even the city-sponsored fireworks display — cancelled.
City officials say they cancelled the festivities because of the continuing strike by municipal workers.
Without the unionized workers the shows can't go on — so the city is pulling the plug on about a dozen planned festivals, a sports tournament and even the traditional Canada Day fireworks display at Ashbridge's Bay.
"I know many Torontonians look forward to our Canada Day celebrations," city manager Joe Pennachetti said at a Thursday afternoon news conference.
"While we remain hopeful there will be a timely resolution to the strike, July 1 is fast approaching. Please be reminded that the city-run Canada Day events … and those that have permits to take place on city property, are cancelled."
The Ashbridge's Bay fireworks display has been held for decades and brings thousands of people to Toronto's east-end beaches for the show.
Jazz Festival unaffected
Also included in the cancellations are normally well-attended celebrations at Mel Lastman Square, Kew Gardens, Earl Bales Park and Flemingdon Park.
In addition to the Canada Day events, the city has also cancelled for the duration of the strike all events in Nathan Phillips Square, Metro Square and any other civic squares and parks.
The Toronto Jazz Festival will go ahead. Organizers have posted a notice on their web site saying their events are not affected by the strike.
"The festival is a self-contained event, run independently from the city," said a notice from Patrick Taylor, the executive producer of the festival.
"We are not a city produced event but rather a charitable organization that has been planning this festival for months in advance. As the city's largest music festival, we look forward to putting on another great event."
City officials say some of the Canada Day events may be able to go ahead — but only "on a modified basis" — if the strike ends by this weekend.
