Fireworks Reinstated at City of Calgary Canada Day Celebration
Update May 25th: After hearing feedback from Councillors and the general public , City of Calgary Manager, David Duckworth, announced that the City will be reversing its initial decision and will keep fireworks as part of the Canada Day celebration.
I firmly believe the most inclusive thing we can do is to add elements to the way we celebrate, not take away. I am hopeful that moving forward we can use this approach to increase discussion and conversation about the balance between reconciliation and celebration.
Late last week, I read in the news that the City of Calgary has decided to proceed with a pyrotechnic show instead of Canada Day Fireworks. Council found out about this decision along with citizens. Shortly after the news broke, emails from constituents began rushing in with concerns about the reasons provided for the change. The rationale provided by city administration ranged from references to cultural sensitivities surrounding Indigenous peoples and the anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act, as well as some environmental concerns.
Firstly, I’m disappointed a decision like this was made without the consultation of council. As the voice of the people, I think we could have had a good dialogue about how to balance concerns about anti-racism while still celebrating Canada Day with fireworks. I fear that by cancelling an aspect that is important to many people, the city has inadvertently worked against its own goals around anti-racism. Calgarians, unlike citizens in other Canadian municipalities, cannot light their own fireworks. As such, I think the City should take the opportunity to provide safe firework viewing opportunities on important holidays like Canada Day. Furthermore, it’s rare for city administration to conduct engagement on an idea after the decision is made as they have in this case.
At executive committee on Tuesday May 23rd, Council was told this was an administrative decision and that it’s too late to reverse the choice. Council largely sets strategic goals for the organization and the perspective of administration is that this is operational. I agree with some of my colleagues who feel this decision is political and should have come to us. I will discuss what, if any options, exist for us to revisit this decision. The earliest time point for that would be the next meeting of council on June 6th. Thanks to everyone who has written to my office with their questions and concerns.
Cllr Jasmine Mian