There are calls for a City fireworks display on the lake in South Etobicoke.
There are calls from some residents for the City to stage a fireworks display in South Etobicoke as they prepare for the largest fireworks display in Canada to kick off the New Year.
The City of Toronto is gearing up to host the biggest fireworks display in Canada on December 31 to ring in 2024, according to City officials.
Some community members claim the fireworks are only staged in the downtown area and Ashbridges Bay in the City’s east end, which is difficult for residents here to attend or view.
Some residents say there are fireworks displays in Toronto and the east end and why not on the west end.
They said a west-end fireworks display would bring in revenue for small businesses in the area from those wishing to see it and also be a boost to the morale of residents. In addition there are many places along the lakefront where the shows can be successfully staged.
“We are being treated as second class citizens,” said Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, chair of the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement Association (BIA). “There is a fireworks display in the east end and Toronto but nothing here for us.”
He said a display can easily be staged on the lakefront near Humber Bay or even at Marie Curtis Park.
The City is getting ready for the largest fireworks show in Canada on December 31.
“Ten minutes of fireworks is not a big deal,” Korwin-Kuczynski said. “City officials shouldn’t discriminate and give us something in the west end.”
He said it is too late for a display on New Year’s Eve, but shows can be staged on Victoria Day or Canada Day.
The cost will be minimal since the City already stages the two large shows.
On December 31 at midnight, residents and visitors to Toronto are invited to countdown to the New Year and witness a free 10-minute, high-altitude fireworks show synchronized to music, visible from anywhere with a view of the city’s inner harbour and also livestreamed online.
The west end fireworks displays if it flies can be held at Humber Bay or Marie Curtis Park, some say.
Designated viewing areas for the fireworks includes seven venues in the downtown area with none in Etobicoke.
For those unable to attend in-person, the live webcast begins at 10 p.m. with DJ sets until 11:30 p.m. The New Year’s Eve countdown begins at 11:30 p.m., which will culminate in the fireworks display.
The webcast will feature ASL and Closed Captioning and be available on the City’s CultureTO YouTube channel.
Headliners acts include Toronto-based artists DJ Sofia Fly and DJ Cozmic Cat. Local sensation Tynomi Banks will host the webcast. Pop-up participatory dance performances co-produced with The Dance Together Festival will transform public spaces and bring audiences together to celebrate through dance.
The City of Toronto bylaws allow fireworks on private property until 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day. A permit is required to set off fireworks on all other days. Fireworks are not allowed in parks and on beaches.