Edmonton has cancelled its outdoor activities on New Year’s Eve due to the extremely cold weather.
The city made the decision late Saturday evening to cancel the main stage performances, hayrides, ice carving, bonfires and bannock-making, joining several other major Canadian cities that pulled the plug on outdoor celebrations due to the cold.
Fireworks will still happen at the legislature at 9 p.m., but anyone watching them outside is urged to dress for “extreme temperatures,” the city said in a media release. The fireworks will also be livestreamed on the City of Edmonton’s Facebook page.
Indoor activities, including live music, comedians and games will still go ahead inside the Federal Building and pedway from 6 to 9 p.m.
The forecast for Sunday morning is –40 C with the windchill, according to Environment Canada. At 9 p.m., it’s expected to be –36 C with the windchill.
Other cities that have cancelled New Year’s Eve outdoor celebrations include Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and Charlottetown.
Due to cold weather, the outdoor activities for New Year’s Eve have been cancelled. Fireworks will continue but online viewing on the City’s Facebook page is encouraged. Indoor activities will continue from 6-9 pm in Federal Building and pedway. #Yeg