Canada turns 150
Neither rain nor protests dampen birthday spirit
OTTAWA — Canada’s longanticipated 150th birthday celebrations on Saturday were marked by heavy rains and some protests, though the downpour failed to dampen spirits of revelers who thronged in large numbers to enjoy musical performances and parades.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kicked off celebrations amid heavy security and some 25,000 people assembled at a large outdoor celebration in front of the national Parliament in Ottawa, where Irish singer Bono and other members of rock band U2 enthralled the audience.
“When others build walls, you open doors; when others divide, your arms are open wide; where you lead, others follow,” Bono said. But the bad weather meant a fly-past featuring Canadian warplanes was canceled and later on, an evening concert was delayed by an hour to allow the rain storms to pass.
The long-anticipated Canada Day festivities, which included other features such as acrobats, and special citizenship ceremonies across large cities, concluded with fireworks.
Trudeau, accompanied by Britain’s Prince Charles, shook hands with some of the thousands of revelers who converged on Canada’s capital Ottawa.
“Canada is a country made strong not in spite of our differences but because of them,” Trudeau told the gathering. “We don’t aspire to be a melting pot — indeed, we know true strength and resilience flows through Canadian diversity.”
Some cities celebrated in more unusual ways. Toronto, Canada’s largest city, featured a giant rubber duck floating in its harbor, while Calgary planned a “living flag” composed of people wearing red and white.
The yellow duck, which cost C$200,000 ($154,000) including the rent, according to the Globe and Mail, drew criticism from some who described it as a waste of taxpayer money.
Security was already ramped up in the days ahead of the celebration and partygoers contended with road closures and concrete barriers across entrances into Parliament Hill, located in downtown Ottawa.
Heavy downpours prompted Ottawa firefighters to pump water off the grounds on Parliament Hill and the Ottawa Fire Service urged citizens to follow safety instructions.
National and local police were also out in force, with security top of mind for many Canadians in the wake of fatal attacks in London, Paris and Germany.
Saturday marked the 150th anniversary of the day Canada officially became a country. Britain had ruled it before 1867.
“Canada 150 years ago was a project, it was an idea to bring together four colonies with very different historical backgrounds,” said Pierre Anctil, history professor at the University of Ottawa.
“We should celebrate but we should not be complacent. It’s not a finished project,” he added.
“As a society, we must acknowledge and apologize for past wrongs, and chart a path forward for the next 150 years,” Trudeau said in a statement ahead of the official kickoff.