From coast to coast to coast, most Canadians mark Canada Day in sweltering heat

Blistering temperatures, community celebrations, moments of reflection are shaping country's 159th birthday

Verity Stevenson (new window) · CBC News

Canadians are marking Canada Day under scorching temperatures across much of Central Canada.

Officials in many provinces are urging people to stay hydrated and check on vulnerable neighbours as communities kick off celebrations for the country's 159th birthday.

Environment Canada heat warnings are in effect across much of southern Ontario and southern Quebec, with humidex values forecast to climb into the 40s in many areas.

The heat is already prompting changes to some celebrations.

Some Ontarians told CBC News they're swapping backyard barbecues and daytime festivities for beaches, splash pads and evening fireworks. In London, Ont., for example, a Canada Day community event was cancelled (new window) so its venue could serve instead as a cooling centre.

WATCH | Here's what to expect from this week's heat wave:

A heat wave blankets southwestern Ontario

June 29|Duration2:05It could feel like 42 C as a heat wave blankets southern Ontario this week. CBC's Pratyush Dayal speaks with people in Windsor about how they are trying to beat the heat and stay cool around Canada Day.

Public health officials in Montreal are also warning residents to take extra precautions as the heat coincides with the city's busy July 1 moving day (new window).

A party with live musical performances is planned in the city's Old Port as of 4 p.m. ET.

It's just a big party. It's gonna be awesome. I can't wait, King Melrose, who will be performing, told CBC News, sitting on Muskoka chairs set up on the grass in front of the stage.

Quebec celebrated its own Fête nationale holiday last Wednesday, with events and live music taking place across the province, including a parade in Montreal's east end, culminating with a concert in Parc Maisonneuve.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Dr. David Kaiser of Montreal Public Health recommended starting moves early in the day, taking frequent breaks, drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol consumption during outdoor celebrations.

He warned that some medication, including for mental health, heart conditions and hypertension, can affect how the body reacts to heat.

Montrealers are also urged to look out for people who are homeless.

You see someone who doesn't seem to be well, the minimum is to ask if they are OK. If we are not reassured by asking the question, I think the right reflex is to call the emergency services, they are there for that, Kaiser said, adding that people with access to air conditioning should help others.

In her first Canada Day message as Governor General, Louise Arbour, a Quebecer, said Canada continues to grapple with persistent inequalities while striving to do better, pointing to reconciliation and the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices.

She encouraged Canadians to celebrate what unites us, not despite our differences but through them.

Drink water, seek A/C, help others: experts

Officials across affected regions are reminding people to seek air-conditioned spaces when possible and watch for signs of heat-related illness, particularly among older adults, young children and people with underlying health conditions.

Sipping an iced coffee in downtown Kitchener, Ont., Nishtha Tomer said she thinks it feels hotter right now than it did at this time last year.

It is kind of sad that it's so hot, but I think we'll all get through it, said Tomer, sipping an iced coffee from Tim Hortons.

An old parade, renewed questions of unity

Municipalities and communities across the country are still pressing ahead with festivities.

In Westville, N.S., 12,000 people are expected to descend on the town for what organizers say is Canada's oldest Canada Day parade (new window). The event is a tradition dating back to 1907, with a parade, live music and a fireworks display put on by volunteer firefighters.

In Ontario, Canada Day also brings several new provincial laws into force (new window), including a new rule explicitly allowing tenants to install window or portable air conditioners — under certain conditions — if their landlord does not supply it. Other changes include expanding pharmacists' scope of practice, lowering the age for publicly funded colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 and introducing new auto insurance options for drivers.

The holiday also arrived at a moment of reflection for many Canadians.

Prime Minister Mark Carney urged Canadians to embrace unity despite their differences, calling Canada a nation of kind, compassionate, hard-working people.

There will always be forces that want to divide us, Carney said in a written statement. They forget this country's founding insight: that unity is not uniformity.

Speaking of unity, sovereignty and trade tensions with the United States last year boosted nationalist sentiment with elbows up campaigns to buy local and buy Canadian.

U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, who often complained about those campaigns, extended Canada Day wishes of his own, saying the two countries' close relationship — highlighted this year by co-hosting the FIFA World Cup with Mexico — continues to strengthen both nations.

In Edmonton, this year's celebrations come amid renewed debate over Alberta's separatist movement. Some told CBC News they hoped the day could offer a reprieve from political divisions.

I think they should just take the day off and just enjoy Canada Day, Faiz Malik said.

Chloe Annett said she anticipated celebrations to feel a little bit different this year.

With the separation groups, I don't know if they're going to celebrate Canada Day — or, at least, I don't know if they should! Annett said, laughing.

WATCH | What Alberta's separation referendum means on Canada Day:

Does Canada Day feel different this year with a separation referendum looming?

June 30|Duration1:32As Edmonton gears up for a Canada Day celebration, we wanted to find out whether the fall referendum on Alberta independence is going to change what this Canada Day means to folks around the city.

Others said the day held complicated feelings for them. Mike Landon said Canada Day doesn't really mean much these days, pointing to ongoing reconciliation efforts and the legacy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and children.

Vishakha Sunger said separatist voices remain in the background but hoped Canadians wanting to celebrate will be even louder on Canada Day.

We can put it all aside for one day, she said.