PARTY POOPERS: Cash-strapped city nixes Canada Day celebration

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“Resource constraints” are being blamed for the city’s decision to forgo Canada Day festivities at Nathan Phillips Square.

A city official confirmed the news on Tuesday after plans about using the square this year had been made public during volunteer recruitment and information sessions.

City spokesperson Alex Burke said other events “across the city” are still in place, including the “signature fireworks display” at Ashbridges Bay. Burke said more information about the city’s Canada Day programming will be shared in the coming weeks.

The news came on the same day that the city asked residents and business to “urge the Government of Canada to honour its funding commitment to the people of Toronto.

“The city needs the federal government to provide promised COVID-19 pandemic support of $235 million for the city’s 2022 budget, to match the province’s commitment,” a news release said.

“During the 2021 federal election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally committed to help Toronto through the pandemic. To date, the government of Canada has not provided this promised funding. Without federal support, city funding for future frontline services will be affected.”

The city has set up a campaign webpage, an automated email to contact their MP, and other ways to raise the issue with the federal government.

This year’s city budget, which was approved by council in February, was balanced on the assumption that the province and feds would chip in a combined $933 million to make up for pandemic-related shortfalls.

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