Canada Day: Fireworks only at Columbia Lake

The following memo was posted to the campus community by Sandra Banks, vice-president, Univeristy Relations on June 26, 2019:

As you make plans for Canada Day, we hope you consider joining us at Columbia Lake Field as the University of Waterloo lights the sky with fireworks for the last time.

This year is a fireworks-only event, with the show beginning at 10 p.m., weather permitting. Unlike in previous years, there will be no musical performances, food vendors or other activities at the event.

There are many options available to get to campus to watch the fireworks this year. Service across Grand River Transit’s entire system – including the Ion light rail – is free now through to Canada Day. Please consider using public transport, bicycles or foot power instead of driving.

For those who do opt to drive, please note that Columbia Street will close at 6 p.m. on Canada Day. Free parking is available in all University of Waterloo lots from 8 p.m.

We are very proud to have hosted Waterloo’s Canada Day celebrations for the last 34 years. In 1984, the Federation of Students and the University of Waterloo created a community event that grew in size and scope year after year. After a thorough evaluation, we concluded that hosting and organizing a large-scale entertainment event of this nature is no longer a sustainable role for the University.

The University is working with the City of Waterloo as they explore alternative Canada Day events for future years, engaging with local leaders on how the community might wish to celebrate the event in the future.

In the case of inclement weather on Canada Day, please follow the University on its social media accounts or visit www.uwaterloo.ca/canada-day for updates and information.