The City of London is encouraging Londoners who celebrate Canada Day to enjoy it at home and online this year, keeping safety top of mind.
While Canada Day festivities will look different this year, adhering to Provincial Orders and restrictions in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, Londoners who celebrate this day are invited to celebrate on July 1 with free, family programming and special online activities.
“I’d like to wish all Londoners a happy Canada Day,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “Although we may be apart physically this year, we can still celebrate Canada Day together online and close to home,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “I encourage Londoners to look for new ways to celebrate on July 1 and make new memories and traditions this year while keeping health measures and precautions in mind.”
Canada Day Virtual Celebrations with London Heritage Council
Londoners are invited to celebrate Canada’s birthday from home with the London Heritage Council. On July 1, enjoy live music and historic demonstrations with Fanshawe Pioneer Village as they celebrate “Dominion Day,” make “fireworks” at home with a creative science experiment from the London Children’s Museum, and develop a better understanding of our region’s histories, cultures, and artists with Museum London.
Fireworks safety
As with other holidays this year, Londoners are asked to modify celebrations to respect all of the health measures that are in place, including limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people and physical distancing of no less than 6 feet between people.
Individual household fireworks displays are permitted, residents considering fireworks are asked to exercise caution and follow all fireworks safety precautions, fireworks by-law, as well as all measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Neighbourhood displays are discouraged, but live streaming on social platforms or meetings apps could be a way to share the fireworks experience beyond individual households.
Parks and Spray Pads
Several park amenities have now reopened including spray pads for Londoners to enjoy.
While these amenities are now available, residents are reminded that health measures remain in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 and should continue to follow these measures:
- Stay two metres away from others using spray pads or park amenities
- Sneeze or cough into your sleeve or elbow or cover with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Follow all social gatherings guidelines
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
City of London facilities and office closures for Canada Day
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, a number of City facilities including arenas, community centres and senior’s centres, pools, libraries, and Provincial Offences Court, Tourism London offices and social services offices remain closed to the public until further notice.
City of London services that have continued during COVID-19 will be closed on July 1 in observance of Canada Day.