City official 'extremely sorry' for impact of surprise fireworks
Ottawa city officials have apologized for an unannounced fireworks display that occurred past the city's 11 p.m. noise curfew following a Bluesfest concert. The display was a rescheduled Canada Day event that officials deemed safer to execute immediately rather than transport the explosives.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the tension between municipal administrative decision-making and public expectations regarding noise ordinances and community communication.
The surprise fireworks show over LeBreton Flats lasted from about 10:55 p.m. until 11:05 p.m. Thursday, as the first night of Bluesfest was wrapping up. The spectacle continued past the city's 11 p.m. noise curfew.
It drew a range of complaints, from people annoyed by the unexpected noise to those upset that they hadn't been given a chance to come downtown and see the display.
City and federal government officials said they were trying to avoid crowds gathering for the show, especially as the Bluesfest audience was pouring out of the nearby venue.
Officials also said it was safer to light the fireworks than to move them after extreme thunderstorms on Canada Day forced the original show's cancellation.
Councillors blast unannounced, belated Canada Day fireworks show
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