East York fireworks rescheduled, Milliken display cancelled

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Tonight, Toronto residents will be able to celebrate Canada Day and enjoy public fireworks displays at Ashbridges Bay Park, Mel Lastman Square and Downsview Park.

Canada Day fireworks planned at Stan Wadlow Park have been rescheduled to tomorrow, Saturday, July 2. Fireworks at Milliken Park have been cancelled.

Friday, July 1 fireworks:

  • Ashbridges Bay Park, 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E.
  • Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St.
  • Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave.

Saturday, July 2 fireworks:

  • Stan Wadlow Park, 373 Cedarvale Ave.

Yesterday, the City of Toronto was informed by David Whysall International Fireworks Inc., the vendor contracted to provide this year’s Canada Day fireworks displays at Ashbridges Bay Park, Stan Wadlow Park and Milliken Park, that the company did not intend to fulfill its contractual obligation to perform fireworks displays.

The City was committed to doing everything possible to avoid cancelling Canada Day celebrations.

City staff worked throughout the day and into the night to secure new vendors that could perform fireworks at the three locations. Companies across Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and in the U.S. were contacted. The City was able to secure the services of a new vendor to allow the Ashbridges Bay fireworks display to continue this evening. The vendor was also able to commit to a fireworks display on July 2 for Stan Wadlow Park. A potential vendor for Milliken Park confirmed this morning they cannot secure resources.

The City thanks all residents in advance for their understanding when it comes to the rescheduled and cancelled events and hopes the July 2 fireworks will still allow people to gather and celebrate at Stan Wadlow Park this Canada Day weekend.

The City has used David Whysall International Fireworks Inc. multiple times, including for this past Victoria Day weekend’s fireworks at Ashbridges Bay. Staff were in communication with the vendor as recently as Monday, June 20 to confirm details for the Canada Day fireworks displays that were to be provided today. The City intends to hold the vendor responsible for all damages or costs incurred as a result of this breach of contract.

Residents planning to set off their own Canada Day fireworks should be aware of the safety measures and City bylaws that exist to govern personal fireworks displays:

  • Fireworks are allowed without a permit on Canada Day until 11 p.m. on residents’ private property only
  • Personal fireworks are not permitted to be set off in City parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots, or a property not owned by the person setting off the fireworks
  • The City asks that people be mindful of their surroundings and not discharge fireworks where they may be a nuisance or pose a risk of fire, injury or damage to any person or property

This long weekend, the Toronto Police Service will continue to respond to public safety issues in all parks and beaches. Police will be in place at Ashbridges Bay and resources will be in the area to ensure everyone enjoys the beach safely. City Bylaw Enforcement Officers will also be present to monitor and respond at busy parks and beaches.

City of Toronto Media Release