SASKATOON — The City of Saskatoon is informing motorists that the Traffic and Broadway bridges will be closed starting Friday for the Nutrien Fireworks Festival. Traffic Bridge will be closed at 9 a.m. while Broadway closes at 6:30 p.m.
Detours will be in place to guide motorists of alternate routes around the area of the special event. Crews are setting up the area to prepare for the fireworks fest, which will run for two days weather permitting and barring unforeseen circumstances.
The Fireworks Festival will be a two-day event during the Labour Day weekend where everyone is invited to watch the display at 9:30 p.m. at River Landing. Friday's show is dedicated to all frontline workers, the display showing appreciation to all workers that helped the community during the pandemic while Day 2 will honour Indigenous and Métis heritage, a gesture towards understanding and reconciliation.
The city will move the event to Sunday, Sept. 5, in case of any weather delay. Detours will then be removed on Labour Day Monday, Sept. 6. Saskatoon Transit may also be affected by the detours and closure.
The Saskatoon Fire Department is also reminding everyone to practice safety in purchasing and using fireworks this Labour Day weekend. Low-hazard fireworks, designed for public recreational use, can be discharged on private property during the hours of dusk and 11 p.m. Low-hazard fireworks reach less than 50 metres (160 feet) high.
Roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines, and snakes are some of the types of low-hazard fireworks unlike high-hazard fireworks that require professionals and can be bought by individuals that have a valid Fireworks Supervisor — Level I or II — card issued by Natural Resources Canada.
SFD also cautioned residents and spectators of the risks associated in using fireworks and the obligations needed in discharging them like read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and wisely choose the location, keeping in mind that low-hazard fireworks can only be discharged on private property.
The location must also be free of overhead obstructions, clear from both sides, and is at a safe distance from other combustible materials. One must also be familiar with the space requirements, which vary depending on the type of firework you are going to discharge.
Make sure the firework is properly stabilized based on the directions of the manufacturer, and keep in mind that you are responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or in a property of another person.
Check the weather conditions, if it is windy, and that all who came to watch the display are located in a safe place before discharging your fireworks. Always light the fuse of the fireworks at its tip and, other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand. Have a water supply nearby when discharging fireworks
Wait for 30 minutes before cleaning-up fireworks debris and it is better to use a pail of water in disposing of used fireworks. Relighting or fixing the fuse of fireworks that did not go off is also discouraged. Community members must always exercise higher level of caution when handling and discharging any type of fireworks since the debris or smouldering embers could cause injuries, property damage, and/or fires.
Currently, there is no fire ban in effect for the City of Saskatoon. For residents and visitors in surrounding communities, please consult your rural municipality for information specific to your area. If you choose to celebrate Labour Day by setting off your own fireworks, remember to follow all recommended safety practices.
