Canada Day fireworks cancelled in Oshawa due to weather; shows go on in other towns

Out of an abundance caution, the fireworks at Oshawa’s Canada Day party at Lakeview Park were cancelled following a severe weather warning issued earlier in the afternoon.

A line of strong thunderstorms moving in from Lake Huron hit the Oshawa area – as well as many parts of southern Ontario – late Wednesday afternoon and though the weather warning was called off shortly after 7 p.m., Oshawa officials made the decision to cancel the fireworks show and the rest of the Canada Day festivities.

The announcement did not go over well on social media, with residents looking up at clearing skies and wondering what the fuss was about.

Oshawa Councillor, Derek Giberson, however, said safety was the primary reason for the cancellation.

“Yes, it’s disappointing when major community events have to be cancelled. But just because the worst of the weather system has passed doesn’t mean everything goes back to normal,” he explained. “Features that require electricity are now in potentially hazardous water-drenched areas. Parks with hundreds of people now have large trees with compromised branches that might be precarious even if it isn’t apparent to the eye.”

“Safety is at the top of the list for residents, vendors, performers, volunteers, and our city workers – many of whom arrived at Lakeview Park at 6 a.m. to start event setup,” Giberson added. “Let’s keep all this in mind even while we feel the disappointment of ending the day early.”

Storm damage in Oshawa. Photos Derek Giberson

The brief storm brought near-gale force winds and in some areas, hail the size of quarters that took down trees and sent siding and shingles flying.

Fireworks displays went on as scheduled – some in modified forms – in the rest of Durham, however.

• “Canada Day festivities are a go,” was the message at the Town of Whitby. “After a brief but intense weather event, town staff quickly assessed the site, completed cleanup efforts, and everything is ready for an evening of celebration.”
• “Please be advised the Town of Ajax Canada Day event at the Ajax Fairgrounds is on hold until 8 p.m. due to current weather conditions,” was the message in Ajax after a brief delay. “The event will resume at 8 p.m. with a modified program including fireworks.”
• “The event will pause until 30 minutes after thunder or lightning, but we’re hopeful the weather will be clear for fireworks,” said organizers in Clarington.
• “Tonight’s Canada Day festivities at Kinsmen Park will start at 7 p.m.,” read the post on the City of Pickering’s Facebook page.
• “The weather isn’t slowing us down,” was the message on Uxbridge’s socials. “Today’s celebrations are still on, so come join the fun.”
• “We aren’t letting the heat bring us down,” said Scugog officials. “Let the celebrations begin.”

The City of Peterborough joined Oshawa in cancelling the fireworks show “due to the weather conditions.”