Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa postponed due to weather conditions and flooding

Ottawa —
The organizing authorities announced the suspension of Canada Day events in the capital Ottawa until further notice, following deteriorating weather conditions and heavy rainfall that caused flooding and widespread traffic disruption in the city.

The suspension included all official activities held in LeBreton Flats Park, Parliament Hill, Old Hall area, and the square opposite the Supreme Court of Canada, as part of precautionary measures aimed at protecting visitors and participants.

The heavy rains caused the closure of parts of the Queensway highway and several main streets within the city, with large water accumulations hindering vehicle movement and affecting public access to celebration sites.

The decision came after weather conditions increased safety risks, amid ongoing rain and the possibility of developing thunderstorms during the day, prompting organizers to evacuate event sites and temporarily suspend the scheduled program.

The organizing authorities confirmed that the resumption of celebrations will depend on weather improvements and emergency teams' risk assessments, urging citizens and visitors to follow official announcements before heading to celebration sites.

This development comes at a time when the capital was preparing to welcome tens of thousands of participants in Canada Day celebrations, but the bad weather imposed a sudden change on the event program, with full priority given to public safety.