Montreal’s Canada Day parade cancelled for 2nd straight year

There will be no Canada Day parade in Montreal for the second year in a row.

This year’s edition was cancelled because of what organizers are calling planning disruptions, unresolved challenges stemming from municipal worker strikes, and strained relations with city departments.

“Safety is our number one priority when it comes to large events such as the Montreal Canada Day Parade,” said Nicholas Cowen, the event’s main organizer. “When different city departments of workers do disruptions, you no longer just have to focus on the safety of the public but the functional aspect of the event.

“If something was planned, are they going to do their jobs to the best of their abilities? This is a concern.”

Parade organizers acknowledged the event’s cancellation would be met by disappointment from Montrealers.

“Especially the families, artists, volunteers, and spectators who eagerly await this long-standing tradition,” they wrote on Facebook. “The parade was not only a celebration of Canada, but also a proud reflection of Montreal’s diversity, resilience, and community spirit.

“We remain hopeful that, with a renewed spirit of collaboration, Montreal’s Canada Day parade can return in the future — stronger than ever.”

“We understand this news is disappointing to many, especially the families, performers, volunteers, and attendees who look forward to this cherished tradition,” organizers said in a Facebook post. “The parade has not only been a celebration of Canada but a proud reflection of Montreal’s diversity, resilience, and community spirit.”

Cowen says it’s become increasingly difficult to put on the July 1 attraction.

Last year’s parade was also cancelled, with Cowen blaming “difficulties with local government leaders” in securing permits, funding, and approval.

According to organizers, the event draws 120,000 spectators.

Cowen said he remains hopeful he can mend ties with the city and the parade can return.

“With its cancellation, not only does the city lose a major tourism draw, but Canadian culture itself takes a hit on one of the most important national holidays,” organizers said.

A City of Montreal spokeswoman disputes the assertions, saying the organizer failed to submit a project proposal for the parade.

Cayer says Canada on the Move, a brand new festival, did get a permit and the July 1 free event includes 13 totems — one for each province and territory — over a 1.2 kilometre route through historic Old Montreal.

An official annual event at Montreal’s Old Port will also go ahead as usual at the Quai de l’Horloge.

-With files from the Canadian Press