Owen Sound is preparing to hold a fireworks display next month to help mark the 100th anniversary of the city’s incorporation.
At its meeting Monday council approved an exemption to the fireworks bylaw to allow a display at Victoria Park on Dec. 5. The event is being dubbed “Owen Sound Celebrates”.
The fireworks will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 and are expected to last about five minutes.
After the cancellation of 2020 Canada Day celebrations due to Covid, council approved a plan to hold fireworks at a later date to mark the 100th anniversary of the city’s incorporation which was supposed to be recognized with enhanced entertainment during July 1 festivities.
Owen Sound incorporated as a city on June 1, 1920.
Victoria Park was selected as the location to set off fireworks as it is a high point in the city, allowing them to be visible for many locations.
City staff will create a list of potential viewing locations to discourage people from gathering in one spot, according to a report presented to the Community Services Committee in October. The fireworks will also be live streamed on the city’s social media channels, such as Instagram and Facebook.
The expected cost for the Owen Sound Celebrates fireworks celebration is $32,000. It is being funded by Canada Day celebration funds already set aside after council directed staff in May to reserve them for an event later in 2020. The city is also utilizing a Celebrate Canada grant of $10,000.
Further details about Owen Sound Celebrates are expected to come from the city within the next week.
