Prepare for rain and/or smoke this Canada Day, and double check event schedules, organizers are warning. Environment and Climate Change Canada says there is a 60-per cent chance of showers in Edmonton Wednesday afternoon, plus a risk of thunderstorms and a likelihood of wildfire smoke. However, the weather, as forecasted, is not expected to affect Canada Day programming in Edmonton. According to the city, only winds stronger than 40 km/h, lightning, extreme heat or a fire ban could prompt the cancellation of Edmonton’s fireworks at 11 p.m. But there are some flooding impacts: The city has closed all boat launches along the North Saskatchewan River because of high river levels and fast flow rates, and Edmontonians are not allowed to watch the fireworks show from river banks. At Re/Max Field, typically, the Riverhawks play for a full crowd on Canada Day. The club still plans to put on a great game against the Bellingham Bells, but must ultimately leave the decision to play or not to the umpires. “Our messaging is: Assume that the game is on, no matter what, until we say otherwise,”said spokesperson Maddie Murdoch. “Umbrellas are allowed. We sell ponchos. We do the best we can to make sure everybody still has a great time.” In St. Albert, the Run for Reconciliation was cancelled due to flooding in the St. Albert Healing Garden and Lions Park. The annual event commemorates victims and survivors of Canada’s residential schools, two of which were located in St. Albert: Youville and Edmonton Poundmaker. During the five-kilometre walk/run are encouraged to reflect on reconciliation and tie orange ribbons in the garden to be on display until the fall. “I’m feeling pretty emotional about it today because so much goes into this event, organizing ahead of time, but also it’s just such a meaningful event to hundreds of people,” said Amanda Patrick, event founder and St. Albert councillor. “We hope that we can find a day somewhere later in the summer where we can still do the orange ribbon ceremony and honour it still.” The city’s other activities are still slated to go ahead, including 11 p.m. fireworks. That’s not the case in a community southeast of Edmonton still dealing with regional flooding and cleanup from heavy rain last week. Tofield mayor Adam Hall said it was not responsible or fair for the town to put on its traditional Canada Day celebrations while staff are still working overtime on flood mitigation, and business and residents are being asked to reduce water use. “We haven’t cancelled Canada Day; we’ve just cancelled the town-hosted events,” Hall said. “We’re hoping that people still celebrate it as they can find things to do and be with one another in community.” With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Miriam Valdes-Carletti
