Celebrations and demonstrations are scheduled to take place in downtown Ottawa on Friday in celebration of Canada Day.
Canadian Heritage reports that for the first time in 50 years, Ottawa’s main celebrations are being moved off Parliament Hill, as there is construction work on the Center Block.
Programming at LeBreton Flats Park, just west of Parliament Hill, and at Place des Festivals Zibi in the Hull sector of Gatineau, includes a daytime ceremony, acrobatic shows and activities for families, as well as evening shows.
However, Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds aircraft will not fly over the capital region as planned. A recent technical glitch has been fixed, but the team needs time for training and maintenance flights before returning to the air next weekend.
Meanwhile, a new round of protests against COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are scheduled for July 1 in downtown Ottawa. Organizers plan to march from the Supreme Court of Canada building to Ottawa City Hall in the afternoon and hold a dance party on Parliament Hill in the evening.
During a protest on Thursday night, police arrested four people for incidents including assaults on police officers.
Although police have planned measures to avoid overflows on Friday, it could be difficult to prevent demonstrations from spiraling out of control on Canada Day due to the presence of thousands of people.
Last Monday, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said people should feel comfortable traveling to Canada Day celebrations, but should be prepared for delays, street closures and to other disturbances. The City of Ottawa has also set up a vehicle control zone around Parliament Hill.
Fines will be higher for violating certain bylaws, including those for unusual noise, urination or defecation on streets and sidewalks, blocking a street and slowing traffic. Fines are now $1,000 for those violations, and the City says its zero-tolerance approach will also apply to fires, fireworks and littering.
Ottawa Police announce an increased police presence, including support from the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.