Canada Day celebration in Ottawa moving off Parliament Hill
Posted May 16, 2022 12:14 pm.
The return of in-person national Canada Day celebrations in the country’s capital will look a little different this year.
Canadian Heritage is moving the official event from the traditional site of Parliament Hill to LeBreton Flats, which is just west of Ottawa’s downtown core and is usually used for major music festivals.
There will be some activities on Parliament Hill, as well as a festival site in Gatineau, Que., but the full program for the celebration will be announced in the weeks ahead.
Related article: ‘Freedom Convoy’ protesters discussing Canada Day rally in Ottawa, officials say
The reason for the switch, according to the statement, is construction taking place on the front lawn due to the rehabilitation of Centre Block.
However, CityNews previously reported city officials and federal organizers are aware of discussions among some convoy protesters of possibly holding another demonstration to disrupt Canada Day festivities.
First in-person Canada Day celebration in the capital since COVID began will not be on Parliament Hill. Heritage is moving the party to LeBreton Flats due to construction.
Earlier we reported possible convoy demonstration is on radar of organizers #cdnpoli https://t.co/xkjt0cqxxR— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) May 16, 2022
There were virtual celebrations for the last two Canada Days, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parliament Hill has been the site of the national celebration for more than 50 years.
