Watch above: Despite the thick smoke in the air from wildfires, Saskatoon residents continue to plan outdoor activities such as the Jazz Festival. Wendy Winiewski says precautions are being taken though in preparation for Canada Day fireworks.
SASKATOON – Each year on Canada Day, thousands attend the celebration at Diefenbaker Park in Saskatoon. It will be no different this year despite the poor air quality conditions due to smoke from wildfires in northern Saskatchewan.
Festivities kicked off Wednesday morning with a pancake breakfast and will wrap up at dusk with a fireworks display.
READ MORE: Smoke from Saskatchewan wildfires continues to affect air quality
“We really can’t move it indoors,” said Brad Sylvester, chair of the Saskatoon Optimist Club, which is hosting the celebration.
“The fire department, they’re going to do a ‘wet down’ of the area that’s a potential hot zone where fireworks will be shot, so we’re ahead of any issues that may present themselves.”
READ MORE: Saskatoon Fire Department demonstrates safe fireworks practice
Fireworks are still permitted in the city, but the same is not true for outlying areas.
A fire ban remains in place for the rural municipalities of Vanscoy and Montrose and the communities of Pike Lake, Asquith, Delisle and Vanscoy, with no open fires or fireworks allowed.
Wendy Winiewski contributed to this story
Comments