The thought of a warm July 1 celebration might be a welcome distraction from the chill in the air this fall. But the annual event is already on the agenda for many Canadian municipalities now debating a change from tradition to high technology.
Drone shows have been lighting up the evening skies in recent years, as a silent and emission-free alternative to fireworks displays, which can be too loud for children and pets, while filling the air with smoke.
A performance incorporates hundreds or even thousands of synchronized drones equipped with LED lights to create choreographed patterns, shapes, and animations in the sky.
The City of Fredericton has been studying a possible switch to drones for its 2026 celebration.
WATCH | ‘They do lack that impact,’ Fredericton official says:
Fredericton debates switching to drones from fireworks
Municipalities across the country are experimenting with drone shows as a silent, emission-free alternative to fireworks, but a recent presentation to councillors in Fredericton raised concerns about weather issues, visibility and an underwhelming performance for Canada Day celebrations.
But at a recent meeting of the city’s economic prosperity and growth planning committee, the tourism and events manager, Stacey Russell, said the shift comes with drawbacks.
The current fireworks budget is $26,000, with $10,000 of that coming from Downtown Fredericton Inc., which would provide up to 200 drones, Russell said, not the 300 to 500 drones used in shows that people would be accustomed to seeing online.
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