Canada Day Fireworks and Celebrations in Kitchener- Waterloo

Canada Day has an interesting history. Canada Day was established by statute in 1879. It was first called Dominion Day, in reference to the designation of Canada as a Dominion in the British North America Act. But no official celebrations were held until 1917 — Canada’s Golden Anniversary of Confederation—and then not again for another decade.

Beginning in 1958, the Canadian government began to hold Dominion Day celebrations in Ottawa on Parliament Hill and then in 1967 as Canada celebrated it’s centennial, Dominion Day became more popular with Canadians across the land. After 1980, the Canadian government began to promote the celebrating of Dominion Day beyond the national capital, giving grants and aid to cities across Canada to help fund local activities.

Some Canadians were, by the early 1980s, informally referring to the holiday as Canada Day. With our new constitution, the time was ripe for a new name. It was a controversial move to break with history and a debate ensued. In the end, the holiday was officially renamed as a result of a private member’s bill that was introduced in the House of Commons when only twelve Members of Parliament were present.

This year in Kitchener Waterloo we are lucky to have not one, but two places to celebrate Canada Day.

Fireworks at Columbia Lake Field
Fireworks at Columbia Lake Field is a tradition for me and my family. Every year we make our way to the north side of the University of Waterloo for a half day of fun followed by the grand finale of a huge fireworks display. The event attracts thousands upon thousands of people. It has been for as many years as I can remember Kitchener Waterloo’s largest and free Canada Day celebration. Canada Day is hosted by the Federation of Students. Leading up to the fireworks, there is live entertainment, food trucks, arts and crafts, and face painting.

Where: Columbia Lake Fields
When: July 1, 2012
Time: 2pm-11pm
For more information please visit website

Canada Day Fireworks at Kitchener’s Civic Square
This year, downtown Kitchener will have fireworks too. There will be fireworks at Civic Square in front of Kitchener’s City Hall on Canada Day.
It’s the beginning of a new tradition. The fireworks light up the sky at 10:30. Before that, there will be a beer garden and live music featuring The Trews. This event is free and open to all ages.

Where: Civic Square, City Hall, Kitchener
When: July 1, 2012
Time: 6:30 – 10:30
For more information please visit website