Residents in East London will have a quieter Canada Day this year since the event organizers have decided to cancel the fireworks display. However, one advocate believes that ending this and other similar celebrations is long overdue.
The Optimist Club of East London and Argyle Business Improvement Association (BIA), who jointly host East London Canada Day, announced on Tuesday that increasing costs for fireworks shows paired with limited funding has made it unfeasible to continue the 20-year tradition.
“I think it’s just really unfortunate and a little disheartening for community members,” said Leah Thomas, event coordinator and creative director at Argyle BIA.
This announcement follows closely after the Optimist Club of Byron shared its own cancellation of the fireworks show, citing budget limitations as well.
“I have a lot of people who I’m close with who live in Byron and a lot of people here, and this is very much a tradition and something that people grew up coming to,” Thomas mentioned. “We did really exhaust every possible avenue to make the fireworks happen.”
When Byron’s cancellation was announced, La Vonne Haynes, president of the Optimist Club of East London, had stated that the east end fireworks show would proceed; however, circumstances have now changed.
Argyle Business Improvement Association event coordinator Leah Thomas and Optimist Club of East London president La Vonne Hayes are co-organizing East London Canada Day, which will not feature fireworks in 2026. (Kendra Seguin/)
“Funding has been dwindling over the years, but this year was a hard almost-half cut of what we normally receive,” Hayes explained.
The cost for an eight-minute fireworks show would be $10,000 according to organizers; this is significantly shorter than what has been seen in recent years. With only around $14,000 secured from government grants, sponsorships, and internal funds available, they determined that those resources could be better allocated elsewhere.
Not everyone feels disappointed by this change. In fact, Deanna Ronson-a human rights and environmental advocate-believes that cancelling fireworks is a positive step forward.
“While a lot of people are lamenting the loss of this decades-old tradition … I think there are real public benefits to cancelling fireworks,” she stated.
Fireworks pollution lasts long after the show is over
Fireworks may be stunning and thrilling; however they also leave behind harmful chemicals, gases, and particles impacting more than just immediate air quality.
“It’s environmental and it’s about wildlife impact-especially when we’re discussing Canada Day. There are many nesting birds and newborn wildlife around during this time; explosions can scare birds from their nests or separate young animals from their parents,” she pointed out.
Ronson added that these loud noises can distress pets while also being detrimental for individuals with chronic lung issues or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Hayes remarked that although she understands not everyone supports continuing with the fireworks displays; many residents from East London have expressed their desire for them to stay in their community
“You can’t please everybody. We’re never going to please everybody,” said Hayes. “I think for those who’ll appreciate us not having a fireworks show-that’s great! And for those feeling let down by it-I understand because we’re disappointed too.”
Ronson suggested that removing these firework displays provides an opportunity for planners to explore alternative activities that are more accessible such as outdoor movie nights or concerts led by Indigenous communities.
“This gives us a chance to consider if we can arrange other community celebrations focused on inclusivity,” she noted. “The goal isn’t about taking joy away from anyone; rather it’s about separating joy from loud explosions.”
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This year without evening festivities means organizers must focus even more on fun daytime engagements targeting teenagers-for instance featuring Mayor Josh Morgan in dunk tank events alongside live wrestling matches scheduled throughout the day!
If you’d still like some nighttime viewing options-Londoners can catch displays happening at White Oaks Park during South London’s July 1st celebration-or kick things off early with Summerside Community Club hosting their own firework night set up at Meadowgate Park starting June 28th!
The City Of London confirmed plans confirming they will conduct its annual July First firework festivities located at Harris Park!
“We’re already looking ahead towards next year’s return!” exclaimed Thomas enthusiastically.”
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Environmental and Social Issues
In 2021, Ronson helped found Londoners for Quiet Fireworks, aiming to encourage city officials to create regulations limiting consumer use of fireworks as well as traditional firework displays altogether. The group faced challenges at that time but hasn’t revisited the issue since then. They raised various concerns regarding fireworks with city council-many of which Ronson asserts remain relevant today. WATCH | How fireworks impact air-quality and more:
Fireworks pollution lasts long after the show is over
Fireworks may be stunning and thrilling; however they also leave behind harmful chemicals, gases, and particles impacting more than just immediate air quality.
“It’s environmental and it’s about wildlife impact-especially when we’re discussing Canada Day. There are many nesting birds and newborn wildlife around during this time; explosions can scare birds from their nests or separate young animals from their parents,” she pointed out.
Ronson added that these loud noises can distress pets while also being detrimental for individuals with chronic lung issues or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Hayes remarked that although she understands not everyone supports continuing with the fireworks displays; many residents from East London have expressed their desire for them to stay in their community
“You can’t please everybody. We’re never going to please everybody,” said Hayes. “I think for those who’ll appreciate us not having a fireworks show-that’s great! And for those feeling let down by it-I understand because we’re disappointed too.”
Ronson suggested that removing these firework displays provides an opportunity for planners to explore alternative activities that are more accessible such as outdoor movie nights or concerts led by Indigenous communities.
“This gives us a chance to consider if we can arrange other community celebrations focused on inclusivity,” she noted. “The goal isn’t about taking joy away from anyone; rather it’s about separating joy from loud explosions.”
A Shift Towards Family-Friendly Events
This year on Canada Day residents can still come together at a family-friendly daytime gathering at East Lions Community Centre. Both Hayes and Thomas indicated many activities-including live music performances along with free swimming options-were already planned ahead. “Daytime activities cost far less compared to putting on firework shows,” Thomas mentioned. “As loved as those displays may be-we had no choice but face tough decisions: whether we’d rather support seven hours where our community enjoys themselves versus just ten minutes filled with bright lights.”
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