Canada Day 2022: Celebrations getting underway as thousands expected to gather in Ottawa – National
Celebrations are getting underway for Canada Day within the nation’s capital after two years that noticed Canadians marking the nation’s birthday at residence, or nearly as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
Tensions stay excessive amid a major police presence as 1000’s start to collect within the streets of downtown Ottawa the place residents proceed to grapple with what police have acknowledged is “lingering trauma” from the convoy blockade earlier this 12 months.
In regular years, Canada Day festivities draw 1000’s to the lawns and streets round Parliament Hill for concert events, fireworks and events. COVID-19 pressured celebrations to be held nearly in 2020 and 2021.
This 12 months, the get together is again dwell and in particular person after two years of lockdowns, nevertheless it received’t be going down in opposition to the acquainted backdrop of the parliamentary precinct.
As an alternative, official celebrations shall be primarily based at LeBreton Flats, the pageant grounds roughly a 20-minute stroll west of Parliament Hill, because the parliamentary precinct battens down.
The daytime ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. Jap on Friday and runs till 1 p.m., whereas the night present begins at 8 p.m. and runs till 10 p.m., when the fireworks begin.
Performers through the daytime present will embody Chantal Kreviazuk, Gurdeep Pandher, Lisa LeBlanc, Tenille Townes, Sarahmee, DJ Shub, Kellie Loder, Sebastien Gaskin, Riit and Boogat.
The night present will function Charlotte Cardin, Stroll Off The Earth, Salebarbes, Ariane Moffat, Sarahmee, Riit, Cindy Bedard, Sebastian Gaskin, Gurdeep Pandher, Johhny Reid, Tenille Arts, Neon Goals, Samian and William Prince.
There’s additionally an official Canada Day playlist on Spotify and YouTube that includes music from the performers.
It isn’t but clear whether or not the heavy police presence and shift in venue will influence the variety of folks heading downtown to affix within the celebrations.
In some neighborhood boards such because the r/Ottawa sub-Reddit, some customers have prompt they plan to get out of the town and fear about whether or not police will do sufficient to stop one other convoy blockade.
Ottawa police have warned in opposition to any illegal behaviour, saying in a tweet Thursday any violence or aggression “has no place in our metropolis and shall be met with enforcement.”
4 folks had been arrested Thursday night following an incident on the Nationwide Conflict Memorial.
“The preliminary investigation finds that an interplay with officers grew to become confrontational and 1 officer was choked,” police tweeted. “Different officers instantly responded, 4 folks had been arrested.”
