The city is hoping this year’s Canada Day fireworks will rival the Fourth of July display across the river and may even best it.
City staff got creative in preparing for Canada’s 150th birthday by asking the federal government for additional funding, as well as reaching out to the community for sponsorships.
The city’s ‘Sponsor a Spark’ initiative — which asked organizations and individuals to purchase various fireworks for this year’s display — was a success, said Rick Borean, supervisor for Community Services.
For instance, a $1,075 option for a 10’ by 15’ lance board of fireworks in the shape of Canada flag that will be set off on the barge was purchased almost immediately after the program launched in March, said Borean.
The fireworks on the lance board will not be launched, but will be visible to spectators on the boardwalk as it burns for one minute.
Options started at $180 and Borean said about six sponsorships were purchased in total by organizations and individuals.
Combining the sponsorships with increased federal funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage, Borean said the city is spending almost double the usual amount — about $20,000 in total.
“Fortunately this year OLG was on board and helped us out as well,” said Borean.
The Canada Day fireworks show will not be extended longer than usual. Instead, Borean said more fireworks will be set off, creating a more intense show.
“It will be louder and brighter, for sure,” said Borean.
The $20,000 price tag will put the Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. display on par with what cities like London and Windsor typically spend, he said, and give our sister city across the river a run for its money.
“We are really looking forward to lighting up the sky,” said Borean.
Speaking during Monday’s city council meeting, Ward 2 councillor Susan Myers mentioned that the friendly firework rivalry between the twin Saults came up during a June 6 joint meeting with the Michigan Sault's City Commission.
“We told our friends from the other side of the border when they were here that finally, we’re going to one-upmanship them with their July 4th, we’re going to have a real bang-up July 1,” said Myers.