Canada Day in Burlington: The heat, then the rain then the fireworks

By Pepper Parr

July 2nd, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Almost everyone strolling along the Naval Promenade was wearing a T-shirt with the word Canada on it. Those who weren’t strolling found space beneath trees to gather and enjoy the day with friends and family.

The shade and the few breezes helped in dealing with the really oppressive heat.

The police presence was stronger than I expected.

There were both sworn officers and auxiliary police on duty for the day. Lots of pizza was ordered.

Had there been any disturbances, the police had a “paddy wagon” on hand to take people to the lock up. 

This bit of beach next to the Pier wasn’t part of the original plan. When a local swimmer was attempting an across Lake Ontario swim, the city created a pathway to the water to celebrate the arrival of the swimmer. Rough weather put an early end to the swim, but citizens got a tiny beachfront out of it.

Many found a place to get into the water to cool off.

There was very much in the way of politicking. Candidate for Mayor Rory Nisan parked a van on Brant Street with his signage. Burlington MP Karina Gould was one of the first people to arrive on the site to set up her table where people were offered a small plant or a Canadian flag or a paper cup they could use to drink water. Some took all three.

Burlington MP Karina Gould was on hand to meet her constituents.

Candidate for Mayor, Rory Nisan took up a parking spot on Brant Street

They came in all sizes and shapes, with most wearing a T-shirt with the word Canada on it.

The pace was slow and leisurely.

That lemonade stand in the background did a brisk business.

Many people from diverse communities wore traditional attire and kept cool. The waffle cone helped.

Where shade was to be found, people gathered.  The paramedics that were on hand throughout the day reported that there were a number of people – “ten to 12, not more than that” who needed help.  Other than giving people a place to rest there was nothing serious.  “People do need to learn to adjust what they do to the weather they face.  Climate change is now a fact.

And then it rained. Great big fat drops of rain poured for about twenty minutes. Thunder roared and lightning flashed across the sky several times.

It just poured for a solid twenty minutes.

That put a damper on the bands that were scheduled to play on the main stage.

The performances were put on hold until the rain stopped. When this picture was taken, we were advised that the drone performance would not take place – and the fireworks were iffy.

The traditional Canada Day was saved. The hundreds of people who trooped their way to Spencer Smith Park were dry and awed by the spectacle.