Canada Day fireworks at Ashbriges Bay, Stan Wadlow Park among celebrations set for today in East Toronto
There will be no shortage of ways to celebrate Canada Day in East Toronto this Wednesday, July 1.
Celebrations include a pair of fireworks displays, a parade, a community festival, a picnic with bands performing on stage, barbecues and more. Today marks Canada’s 159th birthday.
Fireworks displays presented by the City of Toronto are set for tonight at Ashbridges Bay and Stan Wadlow Park in East York.
The fireworks displays are slated to start at 10 p.m.
Ashbridges Bay Park is located at 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E. The fireworks display is designed to be visible across the Eastern Beaches and all along the Boardwalk.
Due to high volumes of anticipated traffic to this extremely popular event, visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation to attend.
TTC bus routes to Ashbridges Bay Park and Woodbine Beach Park include the 22 Coxwell and 92 Woodbine bus routes, with additional buses added to several routes to mitigate congestion.
In a news release on Tuesday, June 30, Toronto police reminded those heading to Ashbridges Bay and Woodbine Beach to expect heavy traffic and extremely limited parking if they do decide to drive. Parking enforcement will be stepped up in the area, and there will also be a large police presence with officers patrolling both day and night.
Police are also reminding attendees that personal fireworks cannot be brought to public parks and beaches, that bonfires are not allowed on the beach and alcohol is not permitted at Ashbridges Bay. Seizures and fines could be levied against those violating the rules, police said.
East York Canada Day Festival
The fireworks display at Stan Wadlow Park is part of the day-long East York Canada Day Festival which starts with a parade along Cosburn Avenue on the morning of July 1 followed by festival in the park and then fireworks to cap off the celebrations.
The East York Canada Day Festival is marking its 70th anniversary today. As one of Toronto’s longest running Canada Day events, the volunteer-run festival is set to bring together communities and families for a day of celebration and fun, running rain or shine.
Today’s festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. with the annual Community Parade. More than 35 community and civic groups will be taking part, travelling from Dieppe Park (455 Cosburn Ave.), east along Cosburn Avenue, then north on Woodbine Avenue, before ending at Trenton Avenue.
Official opening ceremonies for the festival will take place at noon on the main stage at Stan Wadlow Park, 373 Cedarvale Ave., and will be emceed by actor and East Yorker Joe Motiki.
Entertainment will kick off with a performance by the Danforth Children’s choir at 12:20 p.m.
Guests attending the East York Canada Day Festival can expect a wide range of activities throughout the day.
Alongside live music and performances, residents can enjoy a beer garden presented by Goldenfield Brewery, and more than 80 artisan, food, and community vendor booths. Attendees can also expect a variety of games, a rock-climbing wall, and a fishing pond. The Kiwanis Pool and splash pad will also be open for anyone looking to cool off as today’s temperatures are expected to be extremely hot.
Performances slated for the main stage at Stan Wadlow Park today include The Devil’s Drink Band at 1:30 p.m.; The East York All Star Band at 4:30 p.m.; James Levac: The Piano Man at 5:40 p.m.; Meteor Heist at 7 p.m.; and Trainwreck at 8:30 p.m.
For more information on the East York Canada Day Festival, please visit https://eycdc.ca/
Q107 Canada Day Picnic at Woodbine Park
Today will also see the annual Q107 Canada Day Picnic taking place at Woodbine Park.
The free event goes from noon until just before 10 p.m. Woodbine Park is located at 1695 Queen St. E.
Johnny, Shawna, and Ryan of the station’s Q Mornings show will be at the park hosting from noon to 6 p.m. on July 1.
Tribute bands include After The Gold Rush (Neil Young tribute); The Hip Experience (Tragically Hip tribute); Duke Street Kings (Springsteen tribute); Gun Slinger (Guns N’ Roses tribute); AC/DC Show Canada (AC/DC tribute); Crazy Babies (Ozzy Osbourne tribute); and Sheer Heart Attack (Queen tribute).
For more info on the Q107 Canada Day Picnic at Woodbine Park, please go to https://www.q107.rocks/
Neighbours Together on Canada Day at Riverdale Park East
The annual Neighbours Together on Canada Day event in Riverdale Park East is also slated for today.
Activities will be centred in the area around the St. Matthew’s Clubhouse at 450 Broadview Ave. and take place from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on July 1.
The celebration will include Indigenous programming, a Lion Dance, a martial arts demonstration, a barbecue, a Canada Day cake, children’s activities, and singing and dancing performances.
Neighbours Togeher on Canada Day in Riverdale Park East is sponsored and supported by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce (East Toronto), Ralph Thornton Community Centre, Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre, Don Valley Community Legal Services, Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher, Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns, Toronto-Danforth MP Julie Dabrusin, Canadian Heritage, the S.E.A.S. (Support, Enhance, Access, Service) Centre, and the 38th Scouts Toronoto.
For more information, please go to https://www.facebook.com/NeighboursTogetherOnCanadaDay/
Other East Toronto July 1 events include the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1/42 on Coxwell Avenue hosting its Canada Day celebration starting at noon.
The celebration will feature a barbecue, prize raffles, live entertainment and a beer garden. The band Live Wire will perform at 1 p.m. For more information, please call 416-465-0120.
For more on local Canada Day events planned for today, please visit the Beach Metro Community News Calendar at https://beachmetro.com/events/
