Nenshi confident in security as Calgary preps for biggest Canada Day party ever

Calgary’s Canada 150 celebrations are being pegged as the biggest the city has ever seen by local officials and Mayor Naheed Nenshi says he’s confident in security measures.

In the wake of the Manchester Arena attacks, Nenshi says public safety is a primary consideration for all major events.

“We’re pretty good at it thankfully,” he said. “Usually most of our public safety issues have to do with crowds and traffic and management, but of course we are ready for any eventuality.”

The City is expecting about 250,000 people will attend the many official events, which will be supervised by police and the Public Safety Unit on Canada Day.

“Certainly we have the increased crowd size and the increased celebration size well in hand,” he said.

As for the events themselves, official festivities begin at 9 a.m. at Confederation Park and Fort Calgary.

There will be the opening of the 1967 time capsule at Confederation Park among other events and Fort Calgary will include a human flag of 4,000 Calgarians.

There are also multiple festivities throughout the day at Prince’s Island Park, along with events planned at Eau Claire Market, Chinatown and Olympic Plaza, including a performance by 1,500 guitarists playing Ian Tyson’s ‘Four Strong Winds’.

The day is capped off with Calgary’s Tegan and Sara headlining an evening concert at the Harry Hays Building’s North Lawn, followed by a 30-minute fireworks display.

The total cost is pegged at over $1 million, with $700,000 in federal funding.

“The biggest Canada Day we’ve ever done, one of the best celebrations in the city ever, something your kids and your grandkids will remember, forget the cottage, bring the family, come downtown for Canada Day,” Nenshi said.

On top of the city-sponsored events, Nenshi points out residents should get involved in local community celebrations as well.

For full details, go to calgary.ca/CanadaDay