For Canada Day celebrations, heightened security is expected

Key Takeaways:

At two Winnipeg locations, security will probably be increased on Friday as Canada Day festivities begin.
It’s expected that the Forks events would look different from those from prior years. No nocturnal events or fireworks will be held.
During a march in honor of kids who perished in residential schools, the Queen Victoria statue was destroyed.

Security will likely be stepped up on Friday at two Winnipeg locales as Canada Day celebrations get underway.

Following previous violent occurrences at The Forks and the toppling of a statue of Queen Victoria here on legislative grounds last year, visitors to both The Forks and the Manitoba Legislature will see a heightened security presence.

According to Clare McKay, vice president of strategic initiatives at The Forks, “there will be an enhanced security presence on-site, and also we have linked with the Downtown Community Safety Partnership and also the Winnipeg Police Service.”

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The Forks events are anticipated to look different from previous years’ events. There won’t be any nighttime activities or fireworks. This year, programming will take place during the day and include areas for reflection and celebration to promote peace.

In particular, in a location with 6,000 years of history, the majority of which is Indigenous, “We had to look at our programming.”

According to justice authorities, security at the Manitoba Legislature will be stepped up.

In a statement to CTV News, officials said: “We can confirm that increased security arrangements for the Manitoba Legislative Building, including grounds, will be in place for the Canada Day long weekend.”