Residents will get another chance to enjoy a Canada Day fireworks display after the company responsible for the July 1 show agreed to return and stage a replacement event at no additional cost to the Town of Smiths Falls.
The town announced the resolution after completing discussions with the fireworks provider following the confusion that unfolded on Canada Day. A date has yet to be determined.
Town officials had cancelled the planned fireworks display because of severe weather and concerns for public safety. The cancellation was announced with the safety of residents, visitors, staff, volunteers and emergency responders cited as the primary consideration.
Despite that decision, the fireworks were set off unexpectedly, leaving many residents and visitors confused after they had already been told the show would not proceed. Many people had already left the waterfront and surrounding viewing areas after learning the display had been cancelled.
The town said it has since reviewed the circumstances with the fireworks provider and reached an agreement.
“The decision to cancel the fireworks display was made with public safety as our foremost concern,” Mayor Shawn Pankow said in a statement. “While the events that followed were not what anyone anticipated, I am pleased that through constructive discussions we have reached a positive resolution for our community. We appreciate the provider’s commitment to making things right and look forward to giving residents the opportunity to enjoy the celebration they were expecting.”
According to the town, the fireworks provider has expressed regret for the confusion and inconvenience caused by the incident and has offered to stage a replacement display at no cost.
The town said it is working to finalize arrangements and will share details with the public once they are confirmed.
The Town of Smiths Falls also thanked residents for their patience, understanding and continued support as it works to deliver a safe community celebration.
SOURCE: Town of Smiths Falls Media Release: Canada Day Fireworks Update.
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