The City of Calgary has reversed its decision to not hold fireworks to celebrate Canada Day and will have them. .“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,” said City of Calgary City Manager David Duckworth in a Thursday press release. .“We are working with partners to confirm an appropriate site and will share details as they become available.".The City of Calgary cancelled its fireworks display to mark and celebrate Canada Day on May 18..READ MORE: MORGAN: Woke city of Calgary ends Canada Day fireworks as part of truth and reconciliation .The fireworks were recognized as a fun, cost-effective family event where people could gather in a park and ring in another year of Canada existing as a country. .It said it was ending the fireworks display due to “cultural sensitivities related to ongoing efforts at truth and reconciliation with Canada’s First Nations.” It noted July 1 marks the anniversary of Canada's Chinese Immigration Act. .Ten Calgary city councillors filed a notice of motion to require the city have an aerial fireworks display for Canada Day like it has in the past on Thursday. .READ MORE: BOOM!: Calgary city councillors submit motion to bring Canada Day fireworks back .“Now therefore be it resolved that council direct administration to include an aerial fireworks display as part of the City’s 2023 Canada Day celebrations provided that it can be achieved within existing budgets," said the city councillors. .Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek did not acknowledge the motion. Gondek had supported cancelling the fireworks. .The release said the City of Calgary remains committed to considering cultural sensitivities while respecting its diversity. It added these and other considerations such as concerns about late-night traffic, noise, overcrowding, wildlife, and the environment will be factored into the decision on a final location for the fireworks display. .As part of Canada Day 2023, it will offer diverse, educational, and inclusive programming for Calgarians to celebrate culture and community. 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 during the headliner act. .“Programming will be a mix of participatory, celebratory, and reflective experiences,” said City of Calgary Director of Partnerships Jeff Chase..“Calgarians will have a variety of options to observe July 1 in a way most meaningful to them.”.Common Sense Calgary’s (CSC's) petition to bring back fireworks on Canada Day received about 11,500 signatures as of Thursday. .READ MORE: Petition to save Calgary’s Canada Day fireworks receives close to 10,000 signatures.“Despite launching less than 48 hours ago, on a holiday weekend, more than 5,000 Calgarians have already added their signature,” said CSC. .“Calgarians really are sick of this kind of nonsense at city hall!”
