The Canadian Press
Mia Rabson
OTTAWA–Mother Nature drowned out Canada Day on Parliament Hill and now it’s frozen out part of the planned New Year’s Eve celebrations there.
Organizers were checking the forecast every hour earlier today hoping to see some improvement but the polar vortex that has turned Ottawa into a living icicle shows no sign of lifting until at least Jan. 2.
So they’ve cancelled plans for musical entertainment and DJs for the “Canada 150” closing events, but will go ahead with fireworks and a laser show scheduled for midnight.
“We invite all Canadians and visitors to consider the extreme weather conditions, and to dress warmly and prepare accordingly to prevent frostbite and other injuries,” Canadian Heritage said in a statement today.
Earlier today, plans for the bash were in doubt altogether as the department’s website briefly listed everything as being cancelled, but a final decision wasn’t made until mid-morning.
Andrew Campbell, the senior executive director in charge of the “Canada 150” secretariat, had said earlier that with the current forecast offering up temperatures close to minus-28 C with 15 km/h winds, there had been concern the equipment needed for the fireworks and multimedia light show might not work.
Hip hop artist Kardinal Offishall was among the artists scheduled to perform Sunday night on Parliament Hill.
News on social media that the party might be cancelled prompted him to post his displeasure.
“Noooooooooo!!!,” read a message on his official Twitter account.
“Damn you frigid temperatures!!!!”
The weather already has forced the cancellation of youth hockey games on the “Canada 150” skating rink on Parliament Hill but Campbell said public skating continues.
Members of the public will be able to skate on the rink right up until midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Campbell noted there still is lots going on for New Year’s Eve in Ottawa.
He pointed to Nimidiwin, a showcase of indigenous culture being put on at the Canadian Museum of History on Sunday afternoon, and the official lighting of the National Arts Centre’s new Kipnes Lantern, which is the showpiece of its $110.5-million makeover.
The City of Ottawa already has moved all its events indoors, including a session of Parka Yoga and a concert.
