Municipalities across Durham Region are preparing for Canada Day celebrations on Tuesday, July 1, with public events, fireworks, and temporary service and road changes.
Residents across the region can expect family-friendly activities and evening fireworks displays as part of the festivities.
Ajax
The Town of Ajax will host its Canada Day event from 2 pm to 10 pm at Ajax Downs (50 Alexander’s Crossing), featuring live entertainment, cultural performances, food vendors, and a fireworks finale at 10 pm. Free shuttle bus service will be available, and more details are posted at ajax.ca/CanadaDay.
Ajax Fire and Emergency Services is encouraging residents to attend professional fireworks events, highlighting the risks involved with using consumer fireworks, including fires and serious injuries.
Service impacts in Ajax:
- Community centres (Ajax Community Centre, Audley Recreation Centre, McLean Community Centre) will be closed July 1
- Ajax Memorial Pool will offer free public swim from 1:30 to 4 pm with a non-perishable donation. Lane swims and additional public swim times will continue with regular admission fees
Whitby
Fireworks are back in Whitby at Victoria Fields Park around 10 pm Residents are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the show. Personal fireworks are permitted only on July 1 from dusk to 11 pm on private property. The town asks residents to celebrate safely and respectfully. More information is available at whitby.ca/CanadaDay.
Pickering
Pickering’s Canada Day celebration will take place in Esplanade Park. To ensure a safe event, several road closures will be in effect from Monday, June 30 at 7 am to Tuesday, July 1 at 9 pm, including:
- The Esplanade North and South (between Valley Farm Road and the Pickering Civic Complex)
- Valley Farm Road (from The Esplanade North to Diefenbaker Court on July 1, 11:30 am to 7 pm)
Some areas of the Civic Complex parking lot will be reserved for accessible parking only.
Oshawa
Oshawa’s Canada Day celebration at Lakeview Park begins at 2 pm and includes family activities, live entertainment, pro wrestling, cultural performances, a nationwide drumming event at 2:30 pm, and fireworks at 10 pm presented by Tribute Communities. The opening ceremony will be held at 4:30 pm.
Shuttles will run between Oshawa Centre and Lakeview Park starting at 1 pm and resuming after the fireworks. No general parking is available at Lakeview Park without an accessible permit. Additional evening service will be provided on select Durham Region Transit routes.
Road closures in Oshawa will be in place from 7 am to midnight and include:
- Simcoe Street (south of Harbour Road)
- Valley Drive (Ritson to Simcoe)
- Lakeview Park Avenue (Ritson to Simcoe)
Clarington
The Municipality of Clarington is inviting residents to an evening of festivities from 5 pm to 10 pm at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex (2440 Highway 2 in Bowmanville). The celebration includes live performances, games, food vendors, market stalls, a Kids’ Play Zone, and fireworks at 10 pm.
Highlights include:
- Live music on the Main Stage from Matt O’Music Student Band Showcase, The Charles Street Band, City Soul, and Brant the Fire Guy
- Kids’ entertainment including storytime, a bubble party, LEGO stations, and more
- Free cake, cookies, glow sticks, and giveaways (while supplies last)
- Sensory-break area and local market
- Fireworks display (weather permitting)
Facility hours in Clarington:
- Diane Hamre Recreation Complex and Orono Park Pool will be open from noon to 5 pm.
- Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex Hall and washrooms will be open for the celebration, but other areas of the facility will remain closed.
Uxbridge
The Township of Uxbridge is holding its Canada Day festivities at Elgin Park beginning at 6 pm, with family activities and fireworks at dusk. Admission is free.
- Vehicle entry is only permitted through the Elgin Park Drive gate.
- No parking is allowed near the bandshell or Main Street entrance due to fireworks safety.
- Pedestrians arriving near dusk will be rerouted to the Water Street gate for their safety.
- Fireworks may be cancelled if a fire ban is in effect on July 1.
Scugog
Scugog’s Canada Day celebrations will take place in Palmer Park. Full event details can be found on the township’s website.
Municipal closures in Scugog on July 1:
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The Municipal Office, Arena, and Fire Administration Office will be closed and reopen July 2 at 8:30 am.
Road closures in Port Perry include:
- Water Street (Mary to Queen): 7 am to 11 pm
- Water Street (Mary to Casimir): 7 am to 4 pm
- Queen Street (Ottawa to Simcoe and Simcoe to Water): 7 am to 11:30 am
- Ottawa, McDonald, and Rosa Streets (various sections): 7 am to 11:30 am
Garbage collection
Curbside collection will be delayed by one day the week of July 1 in the region. Durham Waste Management Facilities will also be closed on Canada Day.
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