Unexploded Canada Day fireworks discharged at Bluesfest opening without resident notice
The federal government authorized the late-night blast Thursday at LeBreton Flats to safely dispose of shells that didn't ignite during July 1's cancelled display.
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Unexploded fireworks from Canada Day's cancelled July 1 display were discharged late Thursday night at LeBreton Flats during Bluesfest's opening performance, but residents across the city received no advance warning.
According to Ottawa's By-law and Regulatory Services, the federal government authorized the blast. The fireworks that hadn't ignited during the original scheduled event were deemed safer to dispose of on-site rather than dismantled and moved, Canadian Heritage determined.
"These fireworks were related to the Canada Day display and consisted of fireworks that had not been ignited during the scheduled event," the department said in a statement. "The fireworks were subsequently discharged to facilitate the safe removal of the fireworks equipment from the site."
The display occurred after rapper Cody Johnson's Bluesfest performance wrapped. Residents across the Kitchissippi area and as far west as Ottawa's west end reported the unusually loud barrage rattled homes and left many wondering if an emergency was unfolding.
Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper acknowledged the disposal rationale but questioned the lack of notice. "Coming off the very intense storms we just had, and the general discomfort that people are feeling in a very unsettled time, the decision to take this step with no notice that I can discern is hard to understand," he wrote on social media.
Ottawa's By-law and Regulatory Services confirmed the display was properly authorized and said no further action will be taken.
