Emergency manager apologizes for surprise fireworks in Ottawa last week
The federal Heritage Department said the fireworks were safer to launch in Ottawa than move elsewhere, and city officials received dozens of complaints.
- On Thursday, July 9, 2026, an unannounced fireworks display startled Ottawa residents after 11 p.m. as crowds dispersed from the Bluesfest concert site; the pyrotechnics were originally scheduled for Canada Day celebrations.
- The federal Heritage Department chose to launch the leftover Canada Day fireworks rather than dismantle equipment, citing safety concerns and withholding the plan to prevent large crowds from gathering without adequate security and medical services.
- Officials argued that moving the explosives posed greater risks than detonating them immediately following the Bluesfest event located just west of downtown, despite the display occurring after 11 p.m. during a period restricted by city bylaws.
- Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and several city councillors demanded answers on Monday after receiving dozens of complaints, with Sutcliffe confirming he had received no advance notice regarding the display's timing.
- City of Ottawa emergency manager Ryan Perrault apologized on Monday, July 13, 2026, saying "It's very clear to me that it had impacts on the community, and for that I'm extremely sorry." Perrault is investigating who authorized the late-night launch.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Ottawa releases huge fireworks show without warning
The City of Ottawa’s emergency manager apologized Monday after an unannounced late-night fireworks show rocked parts of the city last week. Federal and municipal agencies say they are now trying to sort out who allowed the blasts to take place during a quiet period mandated by a city bylaw. The surprise pyrotechnic display took place after 11 […]
Emergency manager apologizes for surprise fireworks in Ottawa last week
The head of the City of Ottawa’s Emergency and Protective Services says he is sorry for the unannounced fireworks show last Thursday that surprised residents and drew criticism from city councillors.
The pyrotechnic show was originally scheduled to take place on Canada Day.
The Toronto Star
Ottawa city councillors fuming as unannounced fireworks show follows Canada Day storm
OTTAWA - The City of Ottawa's emergency manager apologized Monday after an unannounced late-night fireworks show rocked parts of the city last week.
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