Canada Day celebrations are kicking off in the nation’s capital after two years in which Canadians celebrated the country’s birthday at home or virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tensions remain high amid a significant police presence as thousands begin to gather on the streets of downtown Ottawa, where residents continue to deal with what police have acknowledged as “lingering trauma” from the convoy blockade. at the beginning of this year.
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In normal years, Canada Day festivities draw thousands to the gardens and streets around Parliament Hill for concerts, fireworks and parties. COVID-19 forced the celebrations to take place virtually in 2020 and 2021. This year, the party returns live and in person after two years of confinement, but it will not take place in the familiar context of the parliamentary compound.
Instead, the official celebrations will take place at LeBreton Flats, the festival grounds approximately a 20-minute walk west of Parliament Hill, while the parliamentary precinct is removed.
The daytime ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. ET on Friday and lasts until 1 p.m., while the nighttime show begins at 8 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m., when the fireworks begin.
Performers during the daytime show will include Chantal Kreviazuk, Gurdeep Pandher, Lisa LeBlanc, Tenille Townes, Sarahmee, DJ Shub, Kellie Loder, Sebastien Gaskin, Riit and Boogat.
The evening show will feature Charlotte Cardin, Walk Off The Earth, Salebarbes, Ariane Moffat, Sarahmee, Riit, Cindy Bedard, Sebastian Gaskin, Gurdeep Pandher, Johhny Reid, Tenille Arts, Neon Dreams, Samian and William Prince.
There’s also an official Canada Day playlist at Spotify Y Youtube with music by the performers.
It is not yet clear if the heavy police presence and the change of venue will affect the number of people heading downtown to join the celebrations.
On some community forums, such as the r/Ottawa sub-Reddit, some users have suggested they plan to leave town and worry whether the police will do enough to prevent another convoy blockade.
More to come…
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